Months of planning came to fruition in one historic event that brought together union locals, organizers, and officials from across NYS for one reason: the Fix Tier 6 Rally on March 8, 2026. “Fix Tier Six” is more than a catchy phrase; it is a call to action. It is an ever-present reminder of the fight by New York’s public workforce to end an unfair and disrespectful pension tier for many public service employees. Undeterred by a cloudy March
morning, HHHTA members, friends, and family mobilized for a historic mission: to lend their voices to the massive movement for pension reform. By the time we arrived in Albany, the sun was shining on a crowd of over 15,000 people spanning tier levels, age ranges, and public sector job descriptions. Educators, nurses, and first responders, to name a few, filled the MVP Arena, standing united to demand that lawmakers Fix Tier 6. This massive crowd—a sea of local union colors—represented a united front dedicated to securing a fair retirement for all.
The atmosphere inside the arena was nothing short of electric. NYSUT President Melinda Person, sporting a rally-appropriate Fix Tier Six suit, kicked
off this monumental event with a call for dignity and parity. She was followed by a powerhouse lineup of local and national presidents from various levels of union-based public service, AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, PEF President Wayne Spence, UFT President Michael Mulgrew, NYSNA President Pat Kane, and the AFT’s Randi Weingarten. Young students, the very people we help to reach their potential, were not only present, but some took the stage as well. Their voices provided a poignant reminder that the pension fight is not just about those nearing retirement—it is about ensuring the next generation of public servants can afford to stay in the careers they love.
You could feel the energy and pride from such an amazing turnout. It was not just about the speeches; it was about the representation from every corner of the state. The final speaker at the rally was Governor Hochul; her presence marked the moment the Fix Tier 6 movement shifted to the forefront of the legislative landscape. The rally itself was definitely a sit-up-and-take-notice event. It was one major stop on a journey of collective effort to achieve the pension equity our Tier 6 members deserve and to protect our collective professional legacy.