Whereas, for decades workers have been able to achieve retirement security because their retirement income was based on mutual responsibility among the federal government as provided by Social Security, employer-provided pensions and personal savings; and
Whereas, defined-benefit plans remain the soundest and most cost-effective vehicle for building and safeguarding retirement income security; and
Whereas, many employers have abandoned secure, defined-benefit pensions in favor of cheaper, and less secure plans in the private sector; and
Whereas, the recent economic downturn and 401K losses have exposed severe deficiencies in the current retirement system; and
Whereas, a myriad of state and local proposals threaten workers negotiated benefits and pensions; and Whereas, proposals at the federal level seek to curb or eliminate benefits, social security and retirement benefits for workers; and
Whereas, many of these attacks are targeting educators, not only penalizing current employees and retirees, but deterring qualified individuals from entering the profession precisely when the schools are facing a growing shortage of qualified educators
Therefore be it resolved, that the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) will fight, along with the AFL-CIO and its allies, any attack on workers benefits and pensions; and
Be it further resolved, that AFSA calls upon Congress and the administration to go beyond a patchwork of reforms and support the principle of mutual responsibility, with government, employers and individuals all contributing; and
Be it further resolved, that AFSA will support policies to ensure all workers can retire with dignity and enjoy the economic security they have earned