Rumor: Has The CTA Eliminated "Best Four Years" For The Pension?

Recently, some coworkers asked me if the CTA got rid of the ability for Full-Timers to realize a pension contribution multiplier known as "Best Four Years." I told them that the CTA cannot arbitrarily do that, but I would ask our Local 308 Vice President, Brother Mark Weems. He responded within a few hours:

"That is unequivocally false. CTA cannot change anything within the pension plan documents. The board of trustees oversee the pension plan. Also, there are rules that even the Trustees could not change without going to Springfield and getting the law changed. The members best four is what is used to calculate individuals' pension."

So there you have it. Our multiplier has not changed. The rumor is false. See Section 3.9C for the details.

I also suggest every member download and study the Pension Code. I also included it below this article. This document is the authority regarding our pension. This document, along with many other important documents that cover your job and rights, is available at the Know Your Rights section at the Chicago Transit Justice Coalition website.  

You should also check out the latest news about our pension at the official Pension website: https://ctaretirement.org/retirement-plan/ 

However, let none of this make you comfortable. The CTA will continue to try to eliminate "best four" and unload the pension. There is no 401k out here that matches what the CTA matches. Is that justification for the high contribution rates we have now? No! But you and I know that will only change if we have more workers paying into it: We must fight for Full Time Jobs For All.  Fight. Not beg. Not negotiate. FIGHT!

CTA Worker Pension Code by Chicago Transit Justice Coa...