Smithtown Teachers' Association

Member NYSUT, AFT, NEA, ALF-CIO

Smithtown Teachers' Association

President: Rich Forzano | 1^stVice President: Jane Cassidy | 2^nd Vice President: Laura Spencer
Secretary: Joanne McEnroy | Treasurer: Patty Stoddard

Let the Governor know you oppose the creation of Tier 5

Click here to send a free fax. It only takes a minute.

Tier 5

Though NYSUT was successful in beating back during budget negotiations a proposal by the governor to create a Tier 5 retirement category for state and local-government employees, our fight is not over. In fact, CSEA and PEF have reached an agreement with the Governor's Office on creation of a new pension category for prospective hires. This would include an employee 3 percent lifetime contribution; 10-year vesting and age 62 retirement.

In return, the governor has agreed to "no layoffs" of state employees represented by CSEA and PEF for two years; these state workers would be eligible to receive a $20,000 buyout to leave state employ; and anyone accepting would not be able to return to state service for five years.

NYSUT leaders should know:

NYSUT has not been involved in these talks with the governor. There has been no direct contact on how this could affect NYSUT members. As details become available, we will share via Leader Access.
We respect the autonomy of all unions to negotiate agreements in the best interests of their members.
In the wake of our unprecedented and successful efforts to secure federal support for education, our members are nonetheless already coping with the impact of shared sacrifices and belt-tightening. NYSUT locals have implemented cost-saving initiatives and helped districts save on expenses, health benefits and more. School districts are eliminating an estimated 7,000 positions statewide after local budget cuts that resulted in record low rates of district spending. The public recognizes these efforts, approving a record 97.3 percent of all school budgets. The Regents have reported continuing improvements in test scores even as our members daily are asked to do more with less.

A Tier 5 offers little or no savings for many years. Meanwhile, it would exclude overtime calculations such as coaching, chaperoning and other stipends from a member's final average salary, resulting in a lower pension. In addition, a new tier would severely hamper the ability of schools to attract and retain educators.

Local leaders are urged to keep the lines of communication open with members - particularly newer members - to be sure they understand where the union stands on the issue.

In addition, it's extremely important for local leaders to urge all your part-time employees to join the retirement systems NOW to "lock in" Tier 4 placement.

TAKE ACTION: Oppose Tier 5 plan for new employees.

Smithtown Teachers' Association
50 Route 111 | Suite 216 | Smithtown, NY 11787
office: (631) 265-4218
fax: (631) 265-2926

Contact: webmaster@smithtownta.com

Home Member NYSUT, AFT, NEA, ALF-CIO	Smithtown Teachers' Association President: Rich Forzano \| 1^stVice President: Jane Cassidy \| 2^nd Vice President: Laura Spencer Secretary: Joanne McEnroy \| Treasurer: Patty Stoddard
View Entire Calendar	Let the Governor know you oppose the creation of Tier 5 Click here to send a free fax. It only takes a minute. Tier 5 Though NYSUT was successful in beating back during budget negotiations a proposal by the governor to create a Tier 5 retirement category for state and local-government employees, our fight is not over. In fact, CSEA and PEF have reached an agreement with the Governor's Office on creation of a new pension category for prospective hires. This would include an employee 3 percent lifetime contribution; 10-year vesting and age 62 retirement. In return, the governor has agreed to "no layoffs" of state employees represented by CSEA and PEF for two years; these state workers would be eligible to receive a $20,000 buyout to leave state employ; and anyone accepting would not be able to return to state service for five years. NYSUT leaders should know: NYSUT has not been involved in these talks with the governor. There has been no direct contact on how this could affect NYSUT members. As details become available, we will share via Leader Access. We respect the autonomy of all unions to negotiate agreements in the best interests of their members. In the wake of our unprecedented and successful efforts to secure federal support for education, our members are nonetheless already coping with the impact of shared sacrifices and belt-tightening. NYSUT locals have implemented cost-saving initiatives and helped districts save on expenses, health benefits and more. School districts are eliminating an estimated 7,000 positions statewide after local budget cuts that resulted in record low rates of district spending. The public recognizes these efforts, approving a record 97.3 percent of all school budgets. The Regents have reported continuing improvements in test scores even as our members daily are asked to do more with less. A Tier 5 offers little or no savings for many years. Meanwhile, it would exclude overtime calculations such as coaching, chaperoning and other stipends from a member's final average salary, resulting in a lower pension. In addition, a new tier would severely hamper the ability of schools to attract and retain educators. Local leaders are urged to keep the lines of communication open with members - particularly newer members - to be sure they understand where the union stands on the issue. In addition, it's extremely important for local leaders to urge all your part-time employees to join the retirement systems NOW to "lock in" Tier 4 placement. TAKE ACTION: Oppose Tier 5 plan for new employees.

	Smithtown Teachers' Association 50 Route 111 \| Suite 216 \| Smithtown, NY 11787 office: (631) 265-4218 fax: (631) 265-2926 Contact: webmaster@smithtownta.com