We are all waiting for news from Albany on whether the early retirement incentive will pass by tonight's state budget deadline (please see update below on late budget).
This is the latest from NYSUT President Andy Pallotta:
NYSUT statement on early retirement incentive legislation
Source: NYSUT Media Relations
ALBANY, N.Y. March 29, 2021 — New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta issued the following statement today on negotiations on legislation to create an early retirement incentive for public school employees as part of the state budget:
“Educators have shown a heroic effort throughout the pandemic as they’ve delivered services to millions of public school students. Amid fiscal uncertainty and ongoing pandemic-related challenges, the Assembly and Senate both included in their one-house budgets earlier this month an early retirement incentive that would give longer-serving teachers and school employees an option to retire without fear of being penalized. This incentive also would help school districts to achieve workplace efficiencies and financial savings without negatively impacting the quality of education and allow the next generation of educators to enter the workforce.
“It’s critical that any ERI adopted in the final state budget offers a level playing field for all public school employees statewide. An ERI for all public school employees would be a win-win for school districts and workers alike.”
Update: We are going to have to be patient to see if an early retirement incentive will pass.
From Spectrum News:
The New York state budget is officially late.
There was a time in Albany when lawmakers would actually stop the clock a little before midnight on March 31, so the time stamp on the voting sheets would mark an “on-time budget.” But there was no attempt at stopping the clock this year and lawmakers reluctantly embraced the missed deadline.
“When people wake up tomorrow and we haven't completed the full budget, it's going to have no impact on their lives or their budgets, or whether their government is operating in the state of New York,” Senate Finance Chair Senator Liz Krueger said on the Senate floor Wednesday night. “So, we're not perfect. I believe we're going to get there just a few days late, and I don't think any real harm will be done.”
For those who can't wait for Albany news, try here.
Update 2:
We have a weekly Leader Briefing from NYSUT with nothing on the ERI:
Activists continue push for revenue as budget deadline passes
Early this week, labor and faith activists made a powerful pitch for increasing state revenue through additional taxes on the wealthy while dispelling the myth that it would drive millionaires out of the state. With COVID-19 restrictions and many issues still on the table, this year’s state budget deadline passed quietly at midnight Wednesday. If an agreement is reached by the weekend, lawmakers could begin to pass budget bills next week.
While this was the word from NYSUT and I have heard nothing from the UFT, I just attended a joint Zoom rally with the Professional Staff Congress (CUNY) and the United University Professions (SUNY). Their leaders are urging members to call legislators to push for full funding for CUNY and SUNY in the state budget. There were plenty of elected officials on the Zoom.
Fingers crossed that what ever they push through works for all UFT members that want to opt in.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed that what ever they push through works for all UFT members that want to opt in.
ReplyDeleteMine too.
ReplyDelete58 years old. 23 years service. I'm so ready to go. The thought of doing two more years is not very appetizing at this point. Fingers and toes crossed!!
ReplyDeleteBecause all teachers and union members are so happy teaching they are dying to leave. Sad!
ReplyDeleteWell—if the NYC student population deceased by 10% according some to reports, how would that translate into potential teacher layoffs as there would be a need for fewer staff members—even with the increased federal aid.
ReplyDelete50 with 26 years I’m ready hopefully it will be 50/25ððŧ
ReplyDeleteWe need 20 and out just like the NYPD.
ReplyDeleteWhat would a real ERI look like in your opinion James?
ReplyDelete23 yr veteran says...
ReplyDeleteAbout time. I'll only accept yrs of service credit, 2 would be fine, thankyou....and adjust my FAS to that schedule. Last time they offered a measily $50K...total chump change
25 yrs at 120000 FAS...thats $60 K/yr.
Any comment James?
So with all the federal funding, the biden is a moderate lie...Where is spring break pay? Where is the retro 12 years later? Lie after lie. And teachers, who care so much for children, can't wait to run for their lives.
ReplyDeleteYour guess is as good as mine when it comes to Albany. With Cuomo's troubles, things are different this year. Hard to predict anything.
ReplyDeleteAgree = 20 and out, is the only conversation, I want to have.
ReplyDeleteI would forgo raises, pay more of a contribution than the 25/55 to get 20 @40 percent FAS.
Also would work remote for the rest of my career.
Remote works for some Kids and it should stay:
- NO more snow days- go remote
- No more excessive Heat days - go remote
- NO more in house suspensions - go remote
- NO more students who chronically cut to smoke weed & gamble - Go remote
- NO more ATRS who do nothing all day - Work Remote
- NO More in person summer school - go remote
- NO more in person credit recovery - go remote
- NO more Bullied students - option to go remote
- NO More overcrowded schools - Staggered schedules - Go Remote
- Motivated Students who want to graduate early - Go Remote
- Can't follow school rules - Go Remote
- 17 and in the 9th grade - Go remote
Remote should be managed/ funded Centrally until it can be school based
This is a great option for many student who hate school, want to work, need flexibility.
Can't learn Remotely.. guess you better learn how to pay attention in class
Remote Option would give schools more control over their building.
Remote allows schools to function w/o "denying educational opportunities" to disrupters
The idea that in person learning is this amazing experience FOR ALL is a ridiculous lie.
Pre-Pandemic, there were completely out of control High schools - Hundred of Kids roaming the halls, smoking weed, gambling, organizing fight clubs.. Parents refuse to pick up
At the HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL - Remote is a real solution to real problems that no one knows how to solve w/out "violating" someone's rights.... Remote should be here to stay.
40 with 19 years so I am kinda fucked. NO chance lasting 34 years. Praying at worst 25/50 buyout. NYPD 20 years would be amazing too, that seems far-fetched.
ReplyDelete10:00 and 9:47, You have done it again. A brief statement related to the topic and then you pivot off on your own. Have you both considered running for office? I printed them to be fair but this posting is on the ERI and a bit on the NYS budget. It is not on Biden, spring break pay or remote learning. If you don't want to comment about the topic which is an important one for many UFTers, please comment somewhere else. Thanks.
ReplyDelete20 and out is exactly what the teachers of NYC deserve. Throughout my career I have been bitten, spit on, kicked, and have had hundreds of dollars worth of personal possessions stolen in my school. We are put our selves in very dangerous situations every day and the pandemic simply reinforces this fact.
ReplyDeleteThe post was about teachers desperate to leave the job. That is sad and pathetic. You claim the teachers care so much for the kids, the union is so powerful and useful, and we make the big 6 figure salary, then why is everyone running for the exits? Don;t we get that list when people complain? 6 figure salary, job protection, all those days off, we are hanging the world...I'm confused.
ReplyDeleteI'm 40 as well, 19th year, I would gladly resign with an ERI right now. It has been a horrible mistake to do this job. I'll figure out how to live off my $2M.
ReplyDeleteThere is no 20 and out bill for teachers being considered in Albany that I know of. That was last considered for teachers back in the 70's I believe.
ReplyDeleteI just got more emails for off topic comments. I tried to be fair. That's it. If you can't stick to the topic, it has no place here.
ReplyDeleteSorry to upset everyone, but I do not believe that there will be an early retirement package this year. It’s obvious to anybody who has eyes ears and a brain that most teachers do not want to return with or without the threat of Covid. Most teachers I know that can retire will retire in June. The Uft is aware, as is the DOE, deBlasio and Cuomo. It would make sense just to wait and see how many do leave and then offer a retirement package next year, if necessary. That the job has become so abysmal that people are ready to jump ship at the mere mention of early retirement tells me that there are so many facets of this conversation that have not been addressed. People are not even asking the right questions, especially to the organization that purports to represent teachers. So at the next meeting, when the executive board clowns start moving their wrists back-and-forth to the sound of Mulgrew’s voice, while holding back their applause (until he mentions early retirement), and as you recall your last bowel movement with much more fondness than you have for the last decade as a teacher, ask the right questions- if you can even vocalize them without having a profound wallop to your soul.
ReplyDeleteYou’d be a great English teacher if you’re not already one!
DeleteYou’d be a great English teacher if you’re not already one!
DeleteBetween 40 & 50 years-old with 20 or more years in and hate the job? Why not get out now and collect your pension when you are 62? Great deal still.
ReplyDeleteI have hated the job since Bloomberg started. Before him, things were tolerable. I got 4 years left and will be out the day after I turn 55.
ReplyDeleteFor someone who is 50 with 25 years. There's still a penalty of 5% per year under 55 years of age. So after the penalty, they end up with 25% of FAS? That's nothing. Need to confirm how the penalty is calculated. Thanks.
ReplyDelete10:00am, Remote is here to stay. If you can get out on an early retirement, do so. The young teachers are about to get screwed as they teach five in person classes and have to post asynchronous work for another 3-4 with no added pay.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that's how it works 11:34. I believe it is a percentage off of what you would have collected, not your FAS.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Post article last Sunday, NYC lost 19 percent of its student population, so I think excessing maybe not layoffs are going to be on the table. Also one more good thing about remote learning is it's a good option for the child who constantly interrupts class and creates chaos in the school. This way, we're not denying them an education, just giving them a different option.
ReplyDeleteWhat if you bought in to 55/25
ReplyDeleteWe are waiting to find details. We don't know much of anything now except that NYSUT is pushing for an ERI in public.
ReplyDeleteI'm 40, 20 years is completed next year. I'm done after that. 100%. June 28 2022. See ya.
ReplyDeleteI’m just curious...for people who are retiring at 41/42 with 20 years in....what are your plans to make a similar salary? It’s tempting for sure...just curious how people plan to make ends meet after getting used to making 90,000 plus a year...
DeleteI'm hearing mixed messages regarding hoe=w the ERI is structured. One consultant stated that if passed, it would only apply to "titles" the DOE were looking to eliminate and not replace.
ReplyDeleteAnother article stated possibility of NYC/DOE employees that are 50 with 25 or more years would be offered the ERI. James, if this on is so, do you think the DOE is concerned that the masses would take the offer and create a staffing shortage? Do you think the DOE would be embarrassed by the number of older staff members fleeing the system?
Even carranza ran away. He said it was about covid then immediately took a job elsewhere. This job is an embarrassment.
ReplyDelete4:55pm I don't think the DOE would be embarrassed. They have done so many disgusting things they don't care what anyone thinks of them. I don't think they will offer a 20 year retirement incentive however, they may offer the 1 month-for each year service credit. If that happens it will help people get closer to the 25 year mark.
ReplyDelete11:34am-TRS stated you cannot collect your pension until age 55. You can leave the DOE at 50 and can't collect until 55.
According to the pension chart Chaz had shared(God rest his soul, still miss his blog)
36.5% of FAS with 25 years of service at 55.
https://chaz11.blogspot.com/search/label/pension
I’m ridin’ high or low till I hit 25 55! I’m getting every penny that’s coming to me. If I retire from the rubber room, so be it! ððĪŠð
ReplyDeleteHigher taxes won’t drive people out of the state? Doesn’t pass the common sense test.
ReplyDeleteI only have 7 years in and want to jump ship whenever possible. Wishful thinking, but I hope the DOE offers the $50,000 severance that they offer to ATRs, to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI'll take the money and run. And I'll never look back.
You can get your TRS contributions back with 5% if you are not vested so there is your severance package.
ReplyDeleteFrom UFT: If you resign and want to withdraw your pension funds, including the interest earned, you may be able to do so, depending on how long you worked and contributed. However, there may be several other choices available to you
https://www.uft.org/faqs/if-i-leave-school-system-i-am-eligible-retire-will-i-get-my-contributions-back
They didn't offer the $50,000 severance to ATRs last year.
ReplyDelete11:15: It's easy if you have a wealthy husband or wife.
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Handcuffs keep many if not most teachers in the dead end teaching job. Not only do you earn more than most people with your qualifications, you get healthcare, including a drug plan that can't be beat, a pension, two tax deferred annuities you can stuff $39,000/ year into, plus $10,000 catchup if you are over 50, and even more using the DAR catchup, plus a Roth option, and you get a scheduled increase in salary negotiated for you through collective bargaining, so you don't have to go ask your boss for a raise, and you get a raise that usually matches inflation or a typical COLA, plus three 10 day vacations, July and August vacation, no work on weekends, bankers hours and job security.
ReplyDeleteA dead end job.
A job that was made possible by the brave work of communist labor organizers, it is now being dismantled, not so much by our enemies on wall street or in the republican party, but by our own union. And we can't stop the union form dismantling the union.
So now many teachers are thinking about finding another job. Young people in Tier 6 should give it serious consideration. Unemployment is 6% and heading to 4% and while you may need to take a salary cut for a few years, you can earn a lot more than teachers in a few short years. If I were young and in Tier 6, I would start looking now.
For the rest of us the Golden Handcuffs are not so bad if you know how to fend for yourself. Don't look to the UFT to help. In fact, stay the hell away from them. The UFT will not be reformed.
Look, we had a chance when the pandemic hit, to strike, to take job action. We failed. That chance won't come again. And it's the only way to reverse the attrition of our wages, benefits and job security. So keep your head down and make plans for the summer.
Cheers,
S