Brothers & Sisters,
On Tuesday, February 21, there is a public hearing at the LOB on HB-5552. This bill would remove state employee and municipal employee pension benefits from collective bargaining and thus, is a direct attack on the fundamental bargaining rights of all state and municipal workers.
This bill is a direct attack on your pension. If the bill is passed, there would be no more negotiations over pensions. The legislature could decide that everyone is going to be on a 401K instead of a pension. This is especially important to those employees that cannot retire prior 7-1-2022, but could possibly affect all state employees.
It is important that there is a large turnout of public employees at the Labor Committee’s Public hearing and that you contact your state representative and senator and let them know that you oppose this bill, especially if your state representative or senator is a Republican. There have been a large number of bills this year attacking the pay and benefits of state employees all sponsored by Republicans. You should ask you representative and senator why they are trying to take away your pension, but are keeping theirs! It is crucial that we face our attackers with the real life faces of those whose fundamental rights they are trying to take away.
The hearing will begin at 3:00P.M. on February 21st. If you can, please try and be there and wear your union apparel if you have any. We understand most of you will not be able to attend the Rally. Please contact your senator and state representative on the 21st.
Remember, THIS IS YOUR PENSION THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO TAKE FROM YOU. MAKE YOU VOICES HEARD!
Fraternally,
Joe Gaetano
President
IBPO Local 731