Florida teachers union fights required pension contributions

The Florida Education Association is suing in state court to overturn a law making government workers in the Florida Retirement System contribute 3 percent of their salaries to their pensions — the first such charge in almost four decades. The union says the law is unconstitutional and unilaterally rewrites a pension agreement in place since 1974.

The state claims past Florida court rulings affirm the Legislature’s authority over spending decisions, even those that violate a union contract.

Palm Beach Post, Oct. 26