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Local unions protest Governor's proposed pension reform plan

Western New York members of the CSEA and ASFCME are voicing strong opposition to Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed tier six pension reform proposal.

Union members rallied outside the office of State Senator Mark Grisanti of Buffalo telling him to say no to the reform plan. 

"And tier six is just not a good idea," said  Michael Hoffert, president of AFSCME 650 in Buffalo.  He said the proposed tier six plan would strip union workers of a reliable retirement plan and replace it with a 401-k style  plan.

The union say they've already compromised in the past to offer pension savings to the state. 

"AFSCME and CSEA were just up in Albany last Tuesday lobbying on the issue, so we do have all our boots on the ground fighting this," noted Hoffert. "From what we understand, we have the majority of the support from the Western New york delegation which is very big for us."

But now, as the Governor and state lawmakers are trying to reach a pension reform compromise, there's world Cuomo might be retreating form his proposed 401-k style option.

The proposed reform plan would save about $113 mill over 30-years for the state, New York City and other localities.