On Sunday, March 8, over 15,000 public workers from across New York State came together to rally united over Tier 6 and pension fairness in the state. MVP Arena, where the event was hosted, was flooded with people for the union rally. Individuals wore shirts to stand with their union at the event along with many holding up signs and flags at the rally.
The event began at noon with people filling the area. When heading into the space, chants of “Fix Tier 6” and “Tier 6 has no Rizz” could be heard. The room was roaring with noise of these and more union rally chants.
Union members from the NYS AFL-CIO, New York State United Teachers, United Federation of Teachers, NYS Public Employees Federation, NYS Professional Fire Fighters Association, New York State Nurses Association and Civil Service Employees Association were present, along with even more unions, sending a message to the state over its current pension system for Tier 6 members.
Tier 6 is the retirement classification that after 2012 where members began receiving certain benefits, including their pensions. But many in Tier 6 and those that support its workers have faced hardship regarding it. Individuals who are part of Tier 6 also have to give a percentage of their salary to the pension fund each payroll.
After five years of being a Tier 6 employee, individuals in that working classification become vested, meaning even if they leave their job in public service, they are entitled to part of a pension fund. Benefits for Tier 6 members are calculated based on retirement age, service credits, and the workers individual final earnings.
Thomas DiNapoli, the NY State Comptroller shared multiple statements as a speaker at the event. He stated, “It is my job as State Comptroller to make sure your pensions are secure and that we have the money to pay for them.” He also shared a statement regarding frontline workers of New York state and their impact on the state, united.
“The front-line workers, teachers, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement, and municipal workers who make New York run deserve a secure retirement. Whatever changes to Tier 6, I can guarantee you this, the money will be there to pay for your pension. So good luck in this fight, and as a State Comptroller, I will never stop fighting the powerful yet corrupt to deliver for working families. Keep your voices strong, keep New York Union strong.”
