UFT members rally for pension reform on Teacher Appreciation Day
Under Tier 6, educators must work until age 63 to qualify for a full pension, compared to Tier 4 teachers who can retire at age 55 after 30 years of service.
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A crowd of educators gathered in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall on Tuesday evening to demand changes to what they say is an unfair pension system for New York City’s newer teachers.
Members of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) rallied in support of amending Tier 6, the pension plan that applies to teachers hired after April 1, 2012.
Under Tier 6, educators must work until age 63 to qualify for a full pension, compared to Tier 4 teachers who can retire at age 55 after 30 years of service.
Park Slope teacher Kristin Defendis, who has nine years on the job, says Tier 6 is discouraging.
“It’s definitely hurtful because we do matter,” said Defendis. “We do want an equitable retirement package as our Tier 4 brothers and sisters. I do believe we will get there, and we’re just going to continue that fight.”
News 12 reached out to the Department of Education for comment and is awaiting a response.
