A Message from Linda Waldbaum Newsletter EditorEvery NYSUT member knows about the Fix Six movement. We all agree: something must be done. The million-dollar question is who will get it done?
At first glance, the answer seems obvious — our lawmakers in Albany: the New York State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul. But here’s the truth: they answer to us. They are elected by us. If we want to see Tier 6 fixed, we need to be active participants in the push to make change — in numbers too big to ignore.
The Legislature is in session from January through mid-June. That gives us a window of opportunity. The leadership of our State union NYSUT has been organizing monthly Fix Six events on the sixth of each month throughout the entire state to send a clear message: Tier 6 reform must be a priority.
Now it’s our turn. Long Island has approximately 66,000 NYSUT members. That’s 66,000 voices. Let’s make our voices heard by our elected politicians and the news media at Long Island’s Fix 6 Rally.
Join Us!
Tuesday, May 6 | 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Freeport Commuter Parking Lot
Just imagine the message we’ll send if we all show up. There is no such thing as a crowd too large when it comes to creating change. Every single person counts.
This isn’t just a Tier 6 issue — this is a union issue.
Tier 4 members, your participation is crucial. You know what fairness can look like — you fought for it. When Tier 4 was first introduced, it wasn’t what it is today. It was changed through the exact same grassroots efforts, with the strength of Tiers 1, 2, and 3 standing in solidarity. Now, it’s our turn to pay it forward to our sisters and brothers in Tiers 5 and 6.
Your voice reminds lawmakers that our union has always stood together—and we always will. If we let Tier 6 remain broken, we’re allowing the future of our profession to be undervalued and undermined. This is about equity, solidarity, and the long-term strength of public service.
Let’s also be clear — there are powerful voices working against Tier 6 reform. Newsday recently ran editorials titled “NYS Legislature should say no to Tier 6 pension reform” and “Taxpayers can’t afford more fixes to Tier 6.” If their voices are louder than ours, the fix won’t happen.
We all want reform.
We all know how it gets done.
We must do it — together!
Please click the following link to let NYSUT know you will attend on May 6th: Fix Six RSVP.
Please click the following link to add your name to the list of PFT members who will be attending the rally. Additionally, if you need a ride to the rally or are willing to carpool, please indicate that on the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet will allow for members to see who will be attending and more easily coordinate travel. LINK: Attending and Rideshare