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:

Jun 12

Striking members of the Legal Services Staff Association will hold Community Voices: Save Legal Services on Wednesday, June 12, at 2:00 PM, on the steps of City Hall featuring clients and community organizers who have benefited from civil legal services provided by the striking a

May 31, 2013 | News Story

On Friday, May 24, 21 Queens “carwasheros,” made history by signing the first ever union contract for carwash workers in New York City.  The carwasheros, members of RWDSU, voted to unionize as a way to protect themselves against wage and tip theft, and as a means of securing a series of raises, s

Jun 12

Join city employees and their community supporters on Wednesday, June 12 at 4:00 PM at City Hall as they demand fair contracts for all and tell the Mayor that workers count and workers vote.

May 16, 2013 | News Story

Our sisters and brothers who are members of the Legal Services Staff Association, NOLSW, UAW Local 2320 went on strike on the morning of Wednesday, May 15th after working almost a year without a contract.  Despite making historic offers to management to share in the costs of healthcare and forgo

May 14, 2013 | News Story

Last night, in a vote of 82 to 53, the New York State Assembly passed the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act (A1792/S1743).  This

May 21

The workers at the CUNY-Research Foundation (CUNY RF) have been without a contract since December 31, 2012.  Management is seeking deep concessions on new hires and health benefits.  PSC is holding a rally outside of the CUNY RF Board of Directors Meeting at the CUNY RF Central Office, 230 West 4

May 10

Click below for the schedule and for more information.

Apr 26, 2013 | News Story

The New York City Central Labor Council has launched a new website.  Please take a look around and get acquainted and feel free to drop us an email to tell us what you think!  For information on our affiliate organizations, please click here