Unity Shows Itself

Today we saw the face of Unity, and it was not pretty.

I have so much to say about this meeting I just sat through. It was clearly Unity’s intent to preclude any business from being conducted. To the credit of RTC chapter leader Bennett Fischer, he pushed on to make sure something got done.

We had three speakers. First was Victoria Lee, UFT Treasurer, who endeavored to explain the pension payment plan, of which RTC overwhelmingly disapproves. I didn’t love the whole bucket and funnel thing she kept pushing, but she was clear and easily understood. She explained what would happen if we met or exceeded the 7% annual expectation. I did not hear her explain what would happen if we did not.

Lee said that our pensions were guaranteed by the state constitution, which is true. However, there are things other than cutting our pensions that an adversarial governor or mayor might push in the case we lost money—no raises, no retro, Tier 7, or pretty much any awful thing you can imagine. That said, Lee was calm and reasonable. In stark contrast with her TRS colleagues, she was not remotely snide, condescending, or belligerent.

Then, Tom Brown came on. Tom spoke slowly and made it a point to introduce himself in great detail, and repeat himself many, many times. On the upside, it made it easier for me to take notes.

That said, just like on his previous visit, it very much appeared he did not wish to leave the RTC time to conduct business. Much of his talk was an appeal to authority, 100% logical fallacy. I lost count how many times he told us he took an oath, as though no one who did not take an oath could be trusted. Did those people criticizing this bill put their right hand down and swear? He asked that many times.

Tom went on and on about misinformation. A claim he favored, repeatedly, was that people who wrote against this were anonymous and therefore could not be trusted. I know of precisely three people who wrote about this. One is me, and my name’s right on this page. Another is Katie Anskat, whose name appears on her pieces. Another is EJ McMahon, from whom I first heard about it. His name appears on his pieces as well. (In fact, the only anonymous writers I know of are the four or five from Unity who used to focus on me, but now criticize all of us in ABC.)

Tom was very angry. He was not angry at us, he said, though I’m certainly part of the audience, and yes Tom, I was the first to bring this to the attention of UFT members. You don’t need to thank me. You further don’t need to shout at me about how terrible I am.

And here’s the thing, Tom. You absolutely failed to read the room, which did not remotely buy your argument.

Brown went on about how they and only they could be trusted. Perhaps he forgot that his caucus absolutely tried to take Medicare away from us. Perhaps he forgot that this is precisely why that other Tom, Murphy, is no longer up on the stage lecturing us about civility. Perhaps he forgot that even now, Unity pretends to support us while battling against every bill that protects us.

I was shocked at Tom Brown’s lack of civility right up until the next speaker came up.

That speaker was the one and only Christina McGrath. She did not wish to entertain member questions. She evidently prepped something on the basis of questions Bennett had forwarded her. She insisted on going through her PowerPoint rather than take questions. Bennett tried to get her to answer questions. She repeatedly refused.

She then started shouting at the crowd, stating you would not accept this behavior in your classrooms. She was quite rude. I’ve seen all kinds of behavior in my classroom. I once had to have a girl removed because I was absolutely certain she was going to beat the crap out of a boy. I once had a boy walk into my classroom, apropos of nothing, and offer to blow my head off with a 45. I could go on.

Regardless, as a teacher, I have never, ever behaved as Christina did. I have never, ever shouted to a class as though they were recalcitrant children. In point of fact, I have made it a point not to do that particularly when they behaved like recalcitrant children, because that is the very worst thing you can do.

It’s not only a bad idea because it never, ever works. It’s not only a bad idea because the kids feel they’ve won when they see you lose your cool. It’s not only a bad idea because once you lose control of yourself, you never get control back of your class.

Acting like Christina McGrath is a bad idea because if the principal catches you acting like that, you’re headed for a disciplinary meeting and a letter to file at the very least. If you make it a habit you could be facing 3020a charges for incompetence, verbal abuse, and whatever else a principal can come up with.

And let me point out one more thing—we are not children. No one should be speaking to us like that. Neither she nor Brown had any respect for us.

I kind of like Vanecia Wilson, and she charmed me by speaking of her love of quotes. I share that love. However, she lost me by spreading, yes, misinformation about the city and state bills the would protect us. Of course, she’s just doing her job—representing her caucus instead of us, and suggesting we are enemies of the union because we have minds of our own and don’t buy Mulgrew’s spin.

You sorely disappointed me, Vanecia.

Despite Unity’s calling us liars, practitioners of misinformation and disinformation, and kindly noting the difference, we overwhelmingly resolved to oppose the move to delay payments.

I did note that every single speaker Bennett or RTC scheduled, himself included, were part of the 11 self-selected leaders of Retiree Advocate, the ones who denied votes to 288 of those of us who ran with them. That’s a pattern, of course. I noticed two more of those privileged members sitting on the stage with Bennett.

As for Unity, they admitted today they’ve known about this for two years. It’s utterly irresponsible of them to have concealed it from us. They could have made their presentations before we had to find out from other sources. They’d have been far more credible in that case. Instead, this is just sprung upon us as a done deal, at the last moment—just like they did with Medicare Advantage.

Despite Vanecia’s lecture about unionism, this reaffirms my long-held belief that Unity has not got the remotest notion what union is.

UFT Retired Teacher Chapter 3/18/25 notes (unedited)

Chapter leader’s report—Bennett Fischer—Welcomes us. Calls meeting to order. Speaks of attacks on govt, institutions, cuts to education, health, SS. Sent email March 4th, AFT Day of Action. Wrote about march to stop cuts, last Saturday. Was great thing, many retirees, great labor action. Spoke of letters, calls rallies. You couldn’t read about Intro 1096, bill we want city council to support, passed resolution supporting. Put a paragraph about contacting city council.

You never saw it because I was made to take it out by UFT legal department, They said they couldn’t allow something in email which they said supported something that violated Taylor Law and hurt union’s ability to collectively bargain. We contend it sets a floor beneath which our benefits cannot fall. There are already things which set limits, like 12-126. I was outraged.

They took it out because my only communication with you is via UFT communication department. It’s my hope to start a separate mailing list so people can be contacted without filters. Started gmail address RTCUFTemails@gmail.com. You can email that account, and we’ll get your email information.

There will be people outside with QR codes.

New issue of city’s contributions to our pensions. Many of you have heard on social media, Substack, or trustee email. Real issue. Trustees were right there is a lot of misinformation and needless fear being spread. No one borrowing or stealing from our pension funds. 100% safe and protected in NY State Constitution.

Issue is about annual payments NYC contributes. Mayor Adams wants to change current schedule. Our pension funds are paid for and grow because of investments, also what in-service members and we put in. Obligation of city to put in as well. At the moment it contributes at a rate that would fully fund us by 2032. We’re not underfunded or in danger.

Mayor Adams wants to push full funding to 2044. Issue what this may do to city budget. In his plan, payments will be lessened dramatically, but will increase in 2033. Will lose money and pay more back later. City obligated to pay no matter where stock market is, and if they have to pay precipitous amount and don’t have it, how will that affect city, education, health, social services?

We’re doing our share. We paid our contributions. TRS doing their share. We need Mayor Adams and city to do their share. Do you trust the mayor? Nor do I, nor do the trustees, nor does Michael Mulgrew. Even his friends don’t trust him.

If there’s nothing wrong or broken, why let Mayor Adams fix it? Call state legislators to express opposition. Shows QR code to get in touch with legislators, list of important legislators.

Has been interesting year, great meeting new people, who’ve been very supportive and collaborative. Going on first trip to Florida with trustees, Mulgrew, to meet with retirees. Two things they want most are live meetings in their sections, and to get together on their own to discuss local issues. They want access of emails to people in their regions so they can organize. Discussing a section coordinator hub.

Para rally April 2nd. City Hall at 3:45 PM, rally 4-5. Wants city council to give them bonus before they get a raise because they’ve earned it.

QA—No QA

TRS Trustees report—Victoria Lee—UFT Treasurer—Bennett has a good handle, but you have an agenda on how we should vote. Not here to sway. Just want you to understand. Hold questions, because I’m asked to stay to 25 minutes.

Understanding bill—Shows bucket as TRS, pipes coming in, contributions, expenses, and member contributions. Funds TRS. Every year bucket is filled, protected by NYS constitution. Retirees collect benefits each month.

2010—coming off 2008 financial crisis. City actuary decided to implement industry best process, creating more conservative estimate. We hope investments do well, but when they don’t we’re not funded as well. But you were still collecting regardless. City and TRS want fund well-funded. They put in a model to help.

There was a UAL—unfunded accrued liability. They calculate how much has to be in the fund. Bob North helped fund system so there would be full funding. Don’t want city on the hook to pay retirees. Made city fully funded by 2032, for 22 years.

As of last year, TRS is 84% funded, considered fully funded, even higher this year. By 2032 UAL will end. They now offer a re-amortization bill. “Will slow down program and make it last an additional 20 years.” Will last until 2045. About slowing down program and making it continue 20 years. Consistent payment increases stability. This is a payment plan from NYC to TRS.

Less money will go in each year. Do we believe investments can outperform 7% guaranteed interest from city? If we do, is it worth the risk? We’re having these conversations at the board. Retirees just want to be paid, go to Florida, have a Margarita.

Eight years of payments remaining. Payment 1.7 billion, reduced gradually to 2033, no more payments left. Will proposed plan, will be additional money coming in while you enjoy your margarita. 2043, one payment left.

As the calendar goes, retirees collect pension. If market does well, your pension does not change. If it doesn’t do well, your pension doesn’t change. That’s why Bennett and I want to work on COLA bill to increase payments.

Shows plan with no changes and with change. We are slowing it down, stretching it out, and it will end. Says by 2045 100% will be paid out, plus 7% interest.

Shows chart going around. Calls popular bar graph disingenuous. Claims it shows money being removed, and has caused a lot of misinformation. This shows difference between current and proposed plan. Gives complete different meaning if you glance without reading article. 100% of payments in either scenario, neither removes money. Just money will go in slower.

Is pension being underfunded? Our actuary did solvency test. All retirees 100% covered by current assets. Plays clip from meeting. Is inaudible. Says he took all money from plan, allocated first to members. Active and inactive covered right now. You will still get your pension.

How did we get here? 1975, financial crisis. Pension system invested in municipal bonds, Helped city come out of bankruptcy. Rumors spread, accusing system of lending money to the city. Not what happened. November 22, brought UAL schedule to board. 2023, Trustees met with city actuary to discuss UAL. 2024 detailed review.

2/20/25 reamortization bill submitted, prior to board resolution. Challenging to engage with city. Disturbing this bill was put forth before we voted on it, no longer confident in admin ability to be viable partner. Said it was used for their own political agenda. Waiting until partner in best interest of pension fund.

March 9 disinformation campaign about borrowing and loaning money. TRS will receive 100% of UAL. does not affect pension payments.

Do nothing plan funded quicker, or smooth it out and fund it slower, with less volatility. Says good either way. Slower increases stability.

Pension payments protected by constitution.

What is with all the talk—misinformation or disinformation. UFT members spent three weeks from when it went to Albany to publishing articles. They linked the board meeting which would make you understand, is purposeful disinformation to incite fear and panic. Asks we keep politics off pension table.

Thanks us.

No QA

Tom Brown—introduces himself in detail. Chairman of TRS board. Wishes happy birthday to UFT and TRS. Speaks slowly. Mentions TDA, last month 55th birthday. Sponsored by our pension system. mentions fellow trustees, again. Fiduciaries legally obligated to protect pension funds. Feels great and comforted by presentation. Asks whether we do.

Explains his job responsibilities in detail. Says we’ve given them trust, repeatedly, took oath of office. Says lots of misinformation. Says more sad than angry. So much misinformation online and social media.

Complains he’s getting messages. Says they are all lies, propaganda. Political attempt to induce fear and manipulate members for political purposes. Says trustees have responsibilities, no one is borrowing from pension system. Says others not bound by facts can say whatever they want. Says there’s no names listed, and they are cowards.

Look at who is producing the info and consider their motivations, did those people raise their right hands to take oaths? My anger is at them. They believe you are a vulnerable group of people and they are out for you. Have they ever served on TRS board as trustee? Made it their life’s work. I live pension. I am pension. I travel to schools to give info on our plan.

We work around the country because many want to kill defined benefit plan. We support and advocate for it, have to come back here and convince you. Have they made it their life’s work? Have they taken an oath of office? I am mindful of my legal duty as a trustee. I am mindful every single hour that I am responsible for 227K people. I take my jobs seriously. Anger not at you, but at people whose names aren’t on all that propaganda.

Asks people to say shame on them for misinformation. I can only help to educate you and keep your pension safe like I always have. Speaks of oath of loyalty, check info on UFT logo. Trustees make decisions all the time solely in interest of plan’s participants, without regard to outside influences from anyone. Have taken an oath. Deferring obligations not true. You have given us your trust, Will not allow anyone to question our integrity.

We are risk averse, Reading propaganda every day is despicable. Guy down in Washington loves to distract. These people putting out this info are distractors. This feels like a distraction from the incredible things we have been able to do.

Bennett—we need to get to rest of meeting, Said two minutes five minutes ago.

Brown repeats himself, 10 to 5 vesting, Tier 6 changes, law resulted in higher death benefits, allows UFT titles for TRS instead of BERS. Per session lawsuit. These are good things. Fix tier 6 in full swing mode. Covid fatalities have benefits, paras in TRS military can get three years of service.

Bennett—Got really good info, Christina coming up.

Christina, gives presentation which will answer questions. Says she has questions sent to her, says taught for 30 years classes never spoke to her like this, would never allow classes to speak to you like this.

What was broken—nothing. Funded over longer period of time, Interrupted by audience. Bennett wants members to ask questions. Christina says she prepared this.

Says it reduces volatility keeps fund more stable. Was UFT consulted? Not up to UFT. TRS board members discussing this plan for over two years. She is screaming. Says she can’t anymore, unbelievable, wow. Will wait. There are people online who want answers too. You know what? Again….

Bennett—We have an agenda.

Christina continues, calls crowd unbelievable. Continues. Seems to be repeating what Victoria says. Says she is done. That is total disrespect. In thirty years, she has never, ever had it before, will not put up with it, goodbye.

Bennett says they will take questions—

Q—Presentation says plan fully funded, 85 now, 2032 100. Why wouldn’t you want it? benefit of this plan seems to be freeing up city money. What will money be used for? Were you involved in any discussions regarding how that money would be used, either for contracts, unfunded liabilities, like Medicare Disadvantage?

A—Absolutely we do not engage in convo about what to do with money—only whether we should fund sooner or slow it down. This was the best option we saw that made the most sense. We keep politics off pension table. We want it 100% funded, but we believe by extending it we can have fully funded status longer.

Evelyn Baron—You keep mentioning TRS. What about BERS? Will presentation be sent out to members?

A—We are not BERS trustees, but TRS trustees, but all UFT titles are now eligible to come to TRS. Will find out about powerpoint.

Q—Understand pension guaranteed, Alan Stein, at 85% now. Would reach 100, and if we got 100 in 2032 and anyone was concerned about continued funding, another bill could be passed, concerned about shortfall going to 2033, funding will increase. What % funded, would it stay at 85 or would it go down?

A—Last year was at 84 projecting higher but short answer is no on percentage, many factors involved, Actuary predicts we will remain fully funded past 2032. We don’t know what will happen next year, won’t drop significantly. All things normal, we will stay fully funded and have opportunity to stretch out funding, I don’t know what will happen if something is out of range.

Bennett—Have to get on with rest of meeting

RTC Healthcare Committee—Gloria Brandman and Michael Schulman—Gloria—goal to have as much input as possible, but that this meeting won’t be possible. RTC committee had two really good meetings, last in February. Has sub committees. Talked about sharing health care info to make questions easier. Had two presentations, one from emblem health, one from WF, gave good reports.

Since then created working groups. One on 1096. to make sure plan not diminished. Working on encouraging city council to support, ongoing, Also wellness group. Ways to stay mentally and physically healthy as we age. meeting on 16th. Also working on decoupling, 365 day optional rider if you have our pharmacy plan.

Last two DAs Mulgrew talked about UFT health task force, but no specific info on who will be on. Will keep you informed. No one knows what it will be. Thank you,

RTC Labor Solidarity Project—Robert Greenberg—over 100 members, has been at events. Thanks members. Supported teachers at Manhattan School of Music, Amazon workers, supported Brooklyn Museum. Victory, support for stagehands union at Atlantic Theater. We were there. They won first off Bway contract. Want to organize all off Bway. Welcome to join, can sign up with me. Give name and email. March 25 11 AM annual memorial for 146 clothing workers killed in Triangle Shirtwaist fire, Will be a memorial this year. Washington Place and Green St. near Washington Square.

Group of in service members organizing their own committee up to 19 members.

but nothing fa

UFT/AFT Political Action report—Vanecia Wilson, UFT political action director—In February, Bennett said he wanted to focus on actionable political activity. Current political climate key that we be engaged. Loves quotes. Words are powerful, to be used with care.

James Baldwin said ignorance allied with power is the most ferocious enemy of justice. Federal, state and local level impacts us. Federal, we use AFT. AFT will deal with Pres. congress SCOTUS. State NYSUT deals with Senate, Assembly Governor etc. UFT deals with mayor, public advocate, DA city council, comptroller. We put our labor in action through UFT daily.

We thank you for March 4, protect our kids campaign. Local, we stood in solidarity with Brooklyn Museum workers. We can also engage this daytime army which you are, 3/20 stand against USPS privatization, 3/22 hands of SS, 3/23 hands off postal service, 26 Bklyn VA to save civil service, 4/2 para appreciation rally, 5/6 for fix tier 6. Mulgrew said as of last night, we might have to go to DC, regardless of AFT, NYSUT or UFT, we’re all union.

Union is an act or instance of uniting or joining two or more into one. Purpose is to rep and advocate for workers by collectively bargaining for wages, benefits and job security. We promote equity equity and justice. I love quotes, words have power, and using Baldwin.

Not everything faced can be changed, but nothing changed until it is faced. There are bills that say we can’t diminish benefits for retirees as of 12/31/21. UFT has supported federal legislation. We believe this legislation is illegal, would void contracts after 12/31/21. Runs counter to Taylor law. We work to enhance benefits for all service workers. This would damage US unions to negotiate and benefit members.

When we got stuck with tier 6, were stuck, these bills would do the same, can’t give power to Albany. We are aggressively looking for ways to protect benefits, Retirees, and in service. We are union, can do the work together. Hear me today, If we continue to allow distortion and division, we become our enemy within, will implode instead of explode. Does job of enemy without.

I still say we are union, but not if we don’t use collective power as one.

Bennett—one or two questions.

Q—Nina Tribble—Not all of us have sheet you mentioned.

Was sent electronically. Has dates and what it’s for.

brein@uft.org will see you get it.

Bennett—I want to answer questions. Agenda ran over. No time for many things, but I’m here for questions for rest of meeting.

Q—Susan Herzog—political activities. Retiree chapter voted overwhelmingly to support 1096. Why is union not respecting our overwhelming vote? Mayor wanted to force us into MA. 1096 would stop him. Guarantees city has to provide full coverage. City cannot fail to offer us choice of Medicare and Medigap.

A—Bennett—This chapter last December passed a resolution to lobby for and get our message to city council. Many orgs support it, NYC retirees, wrote in an email, but it was not allowed in the email. Position of our union is we are not in favor. Mulgrew was clear on it. I struggle to reach you, encourage you to support it. sorry I can’t do better right now.

Q—Meeting being recorded? Will it be sent out?

A—Yes. Will see if it’s available.

Q—Gail Lindenberg—Endorsements for candidates—city council—In April 2023, when most of us knew of MA, UFT endorsed 23 city council members. Adrienne Adams—Why do we endorse her, the biggest opponent to 1096. Why should we trust endorsements that hurt membership?

A—Not aware of any endorsements this year. UFT is screening. Doing our best to make sure RTC is on screening committees. We have to get in on the process more. please, vote your conscience. Union makes endorsements, I don’t agree with all.

Q—Doris Wallace—moves to extend 15 minutes.

Bennett—if we have the room. Room is available. Vote takes place after 3.

979-284 78% to extend.

New Motion period—Resolution from RTC Exec. Board. to oppose change in pension contributions.

Michael Shulman—To fully fund our pension system with current schedule of payments. Whereas Hochul proposes changing schedule of payments, and would delay full funding from 2032 to 2044, resolved RTC shall contact Hochul, Cousins, Heastie et al to inform them of RTC opposition. Will take it to DA and ask legislators be informed we oppose this.

Point of information—Carmen Alvarez—Resolved on point, second whereas, delay full funding—based on presentation, I think the clarity needs to be stated in here. We need to focus on resolved. Speak with Victoria or Tom to clarify what full funding means so there are no distractions.

Bennett—Our pension fully funded now, 85%. But fully funded here refers to 100%, as scheduled…do you move to amend?

Alvarez—Would like to suggest, do not oppose, but if we pass this we need to clarify.

Bennett—can’t answer well.

Mark ?—Listening to Carmen, making valid point. Proposed schedule from UAL would extend to 2044 and delay depletion of that fund as per Vickie’s presentation which was also very good.

Bennett—Hears no seconds.

Q—Asks for one person for, one against, and a vote. If we don’t move forward it will lose timeliness, Let’s vote.

Bennett—Question called, no second on amendment. Let’s vote on calling question.

room 92 yes 19 no online 547 yes 318 no

Question called.

Voting on resolution.

871 yes 190 no

Resolution passes.

Meeting adjourned.

New Business—