NEW: Union President Says Pensions Have Been “Stolen”
Friday, November 18, 2011
The president of one of the state’s top unions blasted the pension reform legislation that was signed into law by Governor Chafee this afternoon.
“Today our elected officials have unwisely chosen to steal the retirement security of Rhode Island’s public employees,” stated J. Michael Downey, president of Rhode Island Council 94, AFSCME. “While our nation celebrates Thanksgiving next week, there is little to be thankful for here, as once again public employees have been forced to bear a disproportionate personal burden for the state’s economic problems. This time, for many of the state and municipal workers, it brings a life sentence of financial peril and uncertainty.”
President Downey went on to say, “this injustice leveled against the hard working members of RI Council 94 and all public employees in our state will not be forgiven or forgotten. Our union members are both workers and citizens. While our union is committed to fight for dignity and fairness in the workplace, we are also dedicated individually and collectively to fulfill the promise of American life. With a shocking abundance of wealth in the hands of very few, we know there is a better solution than the actions taken today by the members of our state’s general assembly”
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