May 2013
Monday, March 26, 2012 at 3:18PM The union is encouraging all members who are eligible to join a public retirement system to do so before April 1, 2012, especially if you wish to enter Tier 5. After April 1, without any regard to the date of hire, individuals will be required to enter Tier 6.
Monday, December 28, 2009 at 12:21PM
If you are not a member of the New York State Retirement System, you need to consider joining by Thursday, December 31. It may be the last opportunity to belong to the Tier IV pension plan. On January 1, Tier V goes into effect. Tier V will require a 3 percent contribution from employees for your entire career, instead of Tier IV’s ten year requirement. Tier V does not allow retirement at age 55 with 30 years of service credit, and it requires you to work ten years to be vested, instead of 5 years. For more information, go to www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/members/index.htm
PEF offices close for New Year’s Day
PEF offices will be closed Friday, January 1 for New Year’s Day. PEF leaders and staff wish members and their families a very happy and safe new year. Offices will reopen for business on Monday, January 4.
Monday, December 21, 2009 at 12:22PM If you are not a member of the New York State Retirement System, you need to consider joining by Thursday, December 31. It may be the last opportunity to belong to the Tier IV pension plan.
On January 1, Tier V goes into effect. Tier V will require a 3 percent contribution from employees for your entire career, instead of Tier IV’s ten year requirement.
Tier V does not allow retirement at age 55 with 30 years of service credit, and it requires you to work ten years to be vested, instead of 5 years. For more information, go to www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/members/index.htm
Applications for Voluntary Severance Plan due December 22
If you are planning to retire under the Voluntary Severance Plan (VSP) program, you need to file your application by Tuesday, December 22
Employees approved for the plan must be off the payroll no later than January 20, 2010.
Unlike the VSP program offered earlier this year, this window has two exceptions. The first is employees will be paid the $20,000 in one lump sum, while the previous VSP group had the option of splitting the payment.
This window also allows you to change your mind and withdraw your letter of resignation any time prior to the effective date of your resignation, an option previously unavailable.
Employees still must wait for their agencies to offer them the severance, and those who accept it will be banned from returning to state service for five years.
Agency guidelines for the VSP program are posted on the PEF Web site. PEF is also taking names of members who are interested in the program. Members should sign up immediately, but also be aware that all official communication about the program will come from agency management.
PEF observes Christmas holiday
PEF offices will be closed Friday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday. PEF leaders and staff wish members and their families a safe and merry holiday season. Offices will reopen for business on Monday, December 28.
Monday, December 14, 2009 at 12:24PM The governor’s Task Force on transforming the state’s juvenile justice system was released today and PEF responded with a press release.
PEF President Ken Brynien, who is a member of the Task Force, said PEF supports many of its recommendations to reform a broken system which lacks adequate mental health services, special education teachers, and needs a new model for education and therapeutic rehabilitation.
Brynien also said it is evident Commissioner Gladys Carrion, the leader of the state Office of Children and Family Services, has failed the state’s troubled youths, their families and the communities. Brynien is urging legislative leaders to put the best interest of the troubled youths and safety of communities ahead of Carrion’s personal agenda.
PEF leaders urge members to consider joining retirement system before December 31
If you are not a member of the New York State Retirement System, you need to consider joining by Thursday, December 31. It may be the last opportunity to belong to the Tier IV pension plan.
On January 1, Tier V goes into effect. Tier V will require a 3 percent contribution from employees for your entire career, instead of Tier IV’s ten year requirement.
Tier V does not allow retirement at age 55 with 30 years of service credit, and it requires you to work ten years to be vested, instead of 5 years. For more information, go to www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/members/index.htm
PEF Regions 5 and 6 seek charitable holiday donations
PEF members in Region 5 are being asked to donate used prescription eye glasses for “New Eyes for The Needy,” a worldwide organization that provides glasses for those living in underprivileged countries. The Region is also collecting coats for children and adults, which will be distributed by the United Way. Donations will be accepted through December 24 at the Region 5 Office in Vestal.
PEF Region 6 is participating in the Toys for Tots program. Members can drop off an unwrapped toy and enjoy refreshments Thursday, December 17 from 4-8 p.m. at an open house in the New Hartford office.