Public Employee Press

Retirees gear up to fight attacks from right

At their annual education conference March 31, DC 37 retirees got ammunition for their fight against the deficit hawks and the pro-1 percent politicians who want to eviscerate the pension, Social Security and Medicare benefits built up over decades.

Hundreds of retirees gathered at the union for the Retirees Association's 9th annual Education Conference, appropriately entitled "Fighting Back!" Conferees surveyed the attack on the public sector from Washington to Albany and New York City.

"We continue to be vulnerable," said Retirees President Stuart Leibowitz, warning that the benefits and promises enshrined in today's laws and union contracts can be cut or taken away if the political winds shift too dramatically to the right or the union lets its strength wane. He also underscored how retirees are playing a crucial role in the fightback.

The conference - coordinated by Retirees Executive Vice President Audrey Iszard and the executive board - explored political issues facing retirees and benefits provided by DC 37 and the association. Speakers included DC 37 Political Director Wanda Williams.

The conference was held shortly after the state Legislature passed Gov. Andrew Cuomo's new pension tier, which will make new employees work longer and pay more for a reduced benefit. Guest speakers pointed to the need for progressive institutions like unions to do some soul-searching.

"Not one worker or retiree can rest," DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts told participants. "It's a war. We have to fight back!"