Public employee unions push to sweeten retirement
HomeConnections Podcast › Episode

Public employee unions push to sweeten retirement

51:00 Mar 11, 2026
About this episode
At a massive rally in Albany, public employees attacked Tier VI, the state law that restricts pensions for workers under the age of 63. Fiscal conservatives argue that unions want taxpayers to pay them more for working less. The unions counter that it’s a matter of fairness — and it’s making it hard to recruit talent. They make the case on "Connections." Our guests: Randi DiAntonio, vice president of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) Samuel Fresina, president of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA) Melinda Person, president of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
Select an episode
0:00 0:00