PBA reaction to the proposed 25/50 Tier 5 pension plan for future police officers

PBA president Patrick J. Lynch said:

“The pension terms for uniformed services were first implemented recognizing that the rigors of emergency service work are far greater than those of other government workers. Those rigors are even greater today given the constant threat of terrorist attack, the dangerously diminished headcount in the NYPD and are added to the stress of fighting crime in the world’s most complicated and diverse city. Research studies have demonstrated that the unparalleled stresses of police work result in a significantly higher rate of illnesses and suicide than in the general population. The existing pension benefits recognize the added danger, pressures and responsibilities of the police job.

“Furthermore, after decades of uncompetitive pay, we have just achieved a compensation package that began the process of addressing those long-festering pay inequities. This proposed change to the pension for future police officers will undo any progress made on compensation issues. Giving with one hand while taking away with the other simply makes no sense. The New York City PBA strongly opposes any reduction in pension benefits for future members.”