This week Empire Page visitors are being asked to grade Gov. Cuomo’s pension reform program which includes a defined contribution option for new state hires. The plan, which the governor’s office claims will save taxpayers $93 billion over the next 30 years, would also create a new tier for newly hired state workers. Under the new tier, the retirement age would be raised from 62 to 65 and employees contribution to their retirement would be greater than is currently the case.
Triborough Amendment Repeal Favored
Empire Page visitors voted overwhelmingly in favor of repealing this provision 64% in favor versus 24% opposed. Interestingly 7 percent of the responders have never heard of the Triborough Amendment to the law that governs collective bargaining in the public sector. This amendment prohibits a public entity from altering any provision of an expired labor agreement until a new agreement is reached. Opponents of the Triborough Amendment argue that it undermines the collective bargaining process by reducing the incentive of unions from reaching a new agreement.
