Retirement Security

Fewer employers today provide defined-benefit pensions for their workers—and among those that do, many are offering “defined-contribution” (like 401[k]s) rather than traditional “defined-benefit” pension plans.

That’s why Social Security insurance is essential for millions of retirees. Nearly two-thirds of retirees count on Social Security for half or more of their retirement income and for more than three in 10, Social Security is 90 percent or more of their income. It is a safety net that keeps retirees out of poverty.

It’s also important to figure out what you will need to retire. Talking a look at how much Social Security will provide, whether you have another form of pension and how much you spend are all components in determining when you can retire.

For decades, workers achieved retirement security because their retirement income flowed from a combination of employer-provided pensions, Social Security and personal savings. But the recession has exposed the severe deficiencies in our retirement system. We need to develop a new way to provide workers with lifetime retirement security beyond Social Security.

More about this issue:

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This week, Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) Union members

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On Wednesday, hundreds of New York City building and construction trades workers gathered in hardhats for the annual Memorial Mass and Procession at St. Patrick's Cathedral honoring their fellow workers who have tragically died on the job over the past year.

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Presidents of the American Federation of Teachers, New York State AFL-CIO, New York State United Teachers, and United University Professions joined New York State Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos Thursday for a rally outside CUNY's Midtown headquarters organized by unionized faculty and staff of

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After weeks of escalating tactics, the unionized workers of Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) have forced management’s movement on key contract demands.

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On Sunday, workers and community supporters with Tabletop Workers United

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Production employees of the off-Broadway show “Little Shop of Horrors” have voted overwhelmingly to join The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), becoming the fourth off-Broadway group to unionize since IATSE launched its organizing efforts earlier this year.

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Management at The Second City has voluntarily recognized the UFT as the collective bargaining agent for all employees involved in instruction at their new NYC improv comedy center. This includes teachers, facilitators and cast members.

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Aug 5

August 5-9: The 2024 Summer School for Women in Unions and Community Organizations will be held from August 5-9th at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The registration for this year's event will be available shortly.