It’s been over 13 years since Tier 6 was added to the New York state pension system. Since then, over 50,000 UFT members in Tier 6 have earned a reduced pension compared to earlier tiers. That’s why we’re fighting to fix Tier 6 in ‘26.

This fight is a long game. These changes will take time, but we’ve made big changes before. Together, we can put the necessary pressure on Albany to make it happen.  

Our fight in '26

While Tier 6 provides a financially secure retirement, it is not as beneficial as previous tiers.

Thanks to our advocacy, we’ve already begun improving Tier 6 by:

• Changing the final average salary calculation to match Tier 4, resulting in a higher pension benefit upon retirement.
• Dropping the vesting period from ten to five years to match Tier 4, guaranteeing a pension benefit for 85,000 Tier 6 members.

The next big reform we're focused on is: 

• Lowering the retirement age for Tier 6 members to age 55 after 30 years of service 

How will we do this? Our “6” Days campaign

Every month on the 6th, schools will participate in a coordinated action that educates, builds visibility, shows collective power and drives momentum towards the Tier 6 rally in Albany on March 8.  

Each month will contain a school-based component and a social media component to create escalating pressure that Albany cannot ignore!

Timeline

12/6 – Make it Known

1/6 – Make it Visible

2/6 – Make it Human

3/6 – Make it Loud

3/8 - Fix Tier 6 rally in Albany - register to join us!

Check out our Fix Tier 6 Toolkit for more information and materials. 

Why does this matter? 

• Fixing Tier 6 is about solidarity and fairness
  We deserve the same retirement security as previous generations.
• Fixing Tier 6 is about keeping talented educators in the classroom and recruiting new educators into the profession
  Forcing younger members into a lesser pension system undervalues our profession. Our work is important. Our pensions should reflect that.
• Students lose when their educators don’t stay
• Fixing Tier 6 is about unity and power
  When we stand together in solidarity, we have power.

2026 is our year and this will take all of us

• Join our Fix Tier 6 Campaign and show that your school is in for the fight!
• Share the Fix Tier 6 message with other UFT members
• Use the Fix Tier 6 toolkit for additional resources
• View the UFT's Fix Tier 6 presentation
• Donate to COPE, UFT's voluntary, non-partisan political action fund. Your donations help us get our message out to lawmakers so we can make change!