Public Unions Oppose PA Pension Reform

Apparently, they'd rather have no benefits than reduced benefits

HARRISBURG — No laws have been changed, and no legislation is even introduced, but Gov. Tom Corbett's administration is already defending its pension plan.

Public sector unions promise to challenge the proposal. The plan, they say, is unconstitutional.

The administration made pension reform a top legislative priority this year, with the goal of getting a slew of funding and benefit changes passed by the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

The plan, in part, reduces future benefits for current employees, and that upsets the unions. But those reductions make up most of the nearly $12 million in projected savings over 30 years, according to the plan.