As public employees in New York state, your retirements are protected by the state Constitution, which says “membership in any pension or retirement system of the state or of a civil division thereof shall be a contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.” Over time, new tiers have been passed to address any concerns about the solvency of the system, but no one already in a system - whether actively teaching or retired - could have his or her benefit diminished. This constitutional language is sacrosanct. It has allowed employees to plan for safe and stable financial futures without compromising the ability to make adjustments (through the creation of new tiers) as needed.

Every 20 years, however, the public votes on whether or not New York should hold a Constitutional Convention, wherein the document may be amended. The next vote will take place November 7, 2017. This vote can have a huge impact not only on NYSUT members but every citizen of the state. Among many other important protections, the NYS Constitution safeguards these things, which should matter to you:

  • It guarantees the right to a free public education
  • It prohibits the reduction of public pension benefits
  • It safeguards workers compensation
  • It protects the right to join a union and bargain collectively

Although it’s possible to amend the Constitution without a full convention, you can expect an aggressive campaign to be launched, insinuating that our system is a ticking timebomb or that a Convention is the only way to fix the problems in Albany. Both statements are grossly inaccurate. Led by haters, the uninformed and the misinformed will turn out to vote en masse. Start thinking now about what you can do to ensure your retirement security is not threatened. We will call upon each of you to do your part.