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Benefit Protections Vetoed in NY

New York Gov. George Pataki (R) recently vetoed a bill designed to protect the health care benefits of public employees. The legislation, introduced by AFSCME's New York affiliate, the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and passed by the state legislature, prohibited public employers from cutting retiree health benefits unless similar cuts are negotiated for current workers.

"This legislation is about fairness and decency for those who have dedicated their lives to public service," said CSEA Pres. Danny Donohue. "CSEA will continue to fight to protect what they have worked so hard for."

According to Donohue, New York's school district employees are protected under current law and some other public employers are bound by contract language. But most New York employers — like most employers everywhere — can reduce or eliminate retiree benefits at any time.

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