Union members frustrated at lack of pension information

Teachers, school staff, other public employees, and retirees are frustrated at the lack of available information on the new pension law, says Larry Purtill, president of the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI). The organization recently finished a round of meetings across the state, during which members posed questions and vented frustrations at the limited information available from the Retirement Board and treasurer’s office.

“Our members have many, many questions and concerns, but no one seems able to answer them. It is ridiculous that we cannot get clear answers about the new law,” he said. “At this stage, people ready to retire should be able to get the information they need and that is simply not happening.”

NEARI members report problems getting through to the office by telephone. Jason Whitford, president of the Glocester teachers, said his members have been told they are only allowed one phone call into the Retirement Board. What happens if anyone tries calling again is unclear.

“One of my teachers was upset after this experience,” said Whitford. “All she wanted was accurate information about her retirement eligibility.”

“I want to make it abundantly clear that I am not blaming the Retirement Board,” said Purtill. “The employees there are doing the best they can to handle all the questions and concerns, but they are understaffed and underequipped to service 46,000 retirement system members.”

Even if an employee’s call is answered, there is no guarantee that his or her question will be addressed adequately. Purtill is calling for Treasurer Gina Raimondo to step up.

“Treasurer Raimondo’s office must resolve this issue and set up an easy system for individuals to figure out their retirement dates,” he stressed. “The treasurer needs to schedule her own regional meetings immediately after the first of the year to hear members’ concerns and provide accurate and definitive information.

“The treasurer must update the Retirement Board website to include the new law. The state should create a workable retirement calculator online immediately. If the treasurer needs additional staff to address these needs she should go to the legislature with the request.

“I understand that workers at the Retirement Board are still learning the law themselves, and are understaffed for the new demands placed on them. It is not their fault – they are state workers, too,” Purtill continued. “The treasurer drafted the law and her office needs to answer our questions. Since the bill passed she has been out of sight. Teachers and public employees do not need any more press conferences – they need access to information. They are not getting it from the treasurer’s office right now."