Thousands of public workers gathered in Albany on Sunday to demand changes to New York’s Tier 6 pension system.
Labor leaders estimated about 15,000 union members attended the rally at MVP Arena.
The demonstration brought together members from multiple unions, including New York State United Teachers, the NYS AFL-CIO, Civil Service Employees Association, Public Employees Federation, New York State Nurses Association and the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association.
Union leaders said roughly 780,000 public workers are currently enrolled in Tier 6, which requires employees to work longer, contribute more from each paycheck and receive smaller retirement benefits than workers in earlier pension tiers.
Speakers at the rally included NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, NYSUT President Melinda Person, Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
Organizers said the rally aimed to pressure state lawmakers to change Tier 6, arguing the current system contributes to workforce shortages in education, public safety and health care.
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