Rhode Island public safety workers secure improved pension benefits

Rhode Island Public Safety Workers See Pension Reforms After Years of Advocacy

After almost 15 years of advocacy and determination, public safety professionals in Rhode Island will soon see significant improvements in their pension system, aligning more closely with those of law enforcement peers. Beginning January 1, changes to the pension system will take effect, enhancing recruitment and retention for these essential roles.

Back in 2011, Rhode Island underwent a sweeping pension reform that affected various public sector employees, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, and state employees. Adam Hill, a lieutenant with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and member of Local 2881's executive board, noted, “No one was immune from it.” Despite these reforms, the pensions for Council 94 public safety professionals were significantly reduced, delaying their retirement and impacting workforce recruitment.

Hill, who has served in the protection of Rhode Island's natural resources for 18 years, highlighted the recruitment challenges faced, stating, “We’re not able to hire people because the applicants just aren’t there.” However, persistent advocacy efforts by Hill and his colleagues have finally yielded results.

The new pension reforms will allow Council 94 public safety professionals to retire under similar conditions as their counterparts in police and fire departments. The shift to a more robust defined benefit pension is a welcome change for many, including Hill, who now sees retirement within reach in six years. “With this, now I can work another six years and retire,” Hill shared.

Jason Allaire, a captain with the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs, echoed similar sentiments. Previously, he faced a 38-year tenure before pension eligibility, which deterred new recruits. “We were losing new officers; newer deputies didn’t want to work 40 years,” he said, adding that the new system will positively impact retention and hiring.

Joe DeLuca, a juvenile program worker and president of Local 314, also spoke about the challenges under the previous system. “It’s essentially a younger person’s job,” DeLuca explained, citing the physical demands required in juvenile detention centers. The reforms, he noted, were a collective effort by Council 94, demonstrating strong camaraderie among members.

With these changes, Rhode Island’s public safety professionals are optimistic about their future, thanks to the concerted efforts of Council 94 and the support of AFSCME, an organization that advocates for improved working conditions, safety, and retirement security for its members. To learn more or get involved, visit the AFSCME Public Safety website.