Fix Tier 6 efforts yield significant reforms in state budget

This year’s state budget includes welcome news for all Fix Tier 6 advocates: Thanks to member solidarity, we secured meaningful pension reforms for Tier 6 members in multiple retirement systems.

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Fix Tier 6 efforts yield significant reforms in state budget

This year’s state budget includes welcome news for all Fix Tier 6 advocates: Thanks to member solidarity, we secured meaningful pension reforms for Tier 6 members in multiple retirement systems.
Read more

Supporters of Fixing Tier 6

The movement to Fix Tier 6 has united leaders at every level of New York government. From the Governor's office to city halls and county legislatures across the state, a growing coalition of elected officials has committed to delivering retirement fairness for 780,000 public workers.
See all supporting elected leaders and employers

What's this about?

It’s been over a decade since Tier 6 became part of the New York state pension system. Since then, over 100,000 NYSUT members earn a significantly reduced pension as compared to earlier tiers. Consider this:

  • Tier 6 TRS members pay 3 to 6 percent of their salaries into the pension system their entire career — and their contributions grow with pay raises.
  • Tier 4 member contributions are capped at 3 percent and end after 10 years.
  • Tier 6 ERS members must work to age 63, up to 40 years of service, or face heavy penalties.
  • Tier 4 members can retire at 55 with 30 years of service.

How bad is it?

Tier 6 member

  • Retiring at 55 with 30 years, would only receive 26.4 percent of his Final Average Salary — after paying tens of thousands more into the system.
  • Can’t retire and collect his pension, without facing heavy penalties, until he’s 63.

Tier 4 member

  • Retiring at 55 with 30 years, would receive 60 percent of her Final Average Salary. 
  • Can retire and collect her pension, penalty free, with 30 years of service at 55 years old.

Why does this matter?

Fixing Tier 6 is about solidarity and fairness.

It’s unfair that some NYSUT members must work longer, and contribute more, to earn a significantly reduced pension. This should anger ALL union members. 

Fixing Tier 6 is about dignity.

The hallmark of a public-service career is the promise of a dignified retirement. With Tier 6, the state abandons its commitment to that guarantee. 

Fixing Tier 6 is about keeping talented educators in the classroom and recruiting new educators into the profession.

Forcing younger members into a lesser pension system undervalues our profession. Our work is important. Our pensions should reflect that. 

Fixing Tier 6 is about unity and power.

When we stand together in solidarity, we have power. By staying united, we’ve made big changes before. We can do it again. 


HELP NYSUT FIX TIER 6!

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Sign up to receive updates on how you can get involved in our mission to Fix Tier 6. We will be in touch with updates and actions you can take.

FIXING TIER 6 IS ABOUT SOLIDARITY AND FAIRNESS.

It’s unfair that some NYSUT members must work longer, and contribute more, to earn a significantly reduced pension. What affects one union member affects us all.

FIXING TIER 6 IS ABOUT DIGNITY.

The hallmark of a public-service career is the promise of a dignified retirement. With Tier 6, the state abandons its commitment to that guarantee.