25-55… and merit pay

The October 17, 2007 United Federation of Teachers was dominated by discussion of these two issues.

I can’t say that I fully understand 25-55, but in return for making pension contributions, teachers will be able to retire at age 55 after 25 years of service. Current teachers will have the option of paying in, or not (if not they would need to be older, and have more years. Is it 30-62 or 30-65?) It sounded like all new hires would pay in.

This really isn’t more money, since we would be paying in, but more choice and flexibility. (It also, and someone correct me, it also would be a windfall for someone, since all those 3-years-and-out teachers would be paying extra money in, and would be abandoning their contributions).

So the City and the UFT yesterday agreed to present a 25-55 agreement to Albany.  All for the good… except the deal got tied to merit pay. More about that, tomorrow.