Fix Tier Six Fix Tier Six

Help Fix Tier 6

We have work to do to make public
service retirement fair for everyone …
and we can’t do it without you!

GET INVOLVED

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 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 members must work to 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. 

Thanks to NYSUT advocacy, we’ve already won some pension improvements.

  • In 2022, member vesting dropped from 10 to five years, guaranteeing a pension benefit for 85,000 Tier 6 members.
  • In 2000, after a decade-long campaign, we ended Tier 4 contributions after 10 years and reduced Tier 4 early retirement penalties.

How can you get involved?

We know how to get this done … but we can’t do it without you. Whether you’re a retiree, or a Tier 4, 5 or 6 member you can help NYSUT Fix Tier 6.

  • Visit the NYSUT MAC to digitally support union actions.
  • Join NYSUT’s Tier 6 Fix-It Team to help with direct outreach.
  • Share the Fix Tier 6 message with your local.
  • Donate to VOTE-COPE, NYSUT’s voluntary, non-partisan political action fund. Your donations help us get our message out to lawmakers so we can make change!

HELP FIX TIER 6!

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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.