Anti-bullying legislation, property tax relief, unemployment insurance for part-time faculty, marriage equality. Action on several important NYSUT-backed bills is at a standstill as lawmakers struggle to deal with a surprise move by several lawmakers to change control of the state Senate.

"We are nearing the end of the legislative session and we don't know what is going to happen," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "At this moment, there is no consensus on who is leading the Senate and there is no work being done."

As New York Teacher went to press, lawmakers were trying to regroup and salvage what is left of the session, scheduled to end the week of June 22. Check for updates at www.nysut.org.

Tier 5 pension plan

Another measure facing delay is creation of Tier 5. Two unions representing state workers reached an agreement with the governor's office to create the new pension category for future employees.

The Civil Service Employees Association and Public Employees Federation both agreed to the new tier, which would include:

• requiring lifetime 3 percent contributions by employees;
• working 10 years in the system before an employee can become vested; and
• reinstituting original Tier 4 early-retirement penalties for members who retire before 62.

In return, the governor has agreed to no layoffs of CSEA and PEF state employees for two years.

Workers in targeted positions would be eligible for a $20,000 buyout to leave state employ. Anyone accepting the payment would not be able to return to state service for five years.

"NYSUT has not been involved in the talks between the governor and state employee unions," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi, noting that the agreement and new pension tier references only members of PEF and CSEA.

"We respect the autonomy of all unions to negotiate agreements in the best interests of their members," Iannuzzi said.

NYSUT, along with the state AFL-CIO, continues to oppose Tier 5 or any reduction in pension benefits.

While CSEA and PEF negotiated with the state on the deal, creation of Tier 5 requires legislative approval.