Members in Elk County ready to fight for pensions

Published December 2009 Voice

Johnsonburg EA President Julie Wittman has been teaching for three decades. When times were tough, she always thought of her retirement as a light at the end of the tunnel.

Now, with the pension system under attack, Wittman is mobilizing her members to fight to retain their retirement benefits.

“We marched on Harrisburg to help our students. Now it is time for teachers to march to help themselves,” Wittman said.  “When my kids are educated, my mortgage is paid, elderly parents and in-laws have been cared for, I had hoped I would be able to actually travel and enjoy my retirement. I’ve pinched pennies most of my life. I’d hoped I wouldn’t have to when I retire.”

Wittman said she doesn’t want to retire early from teaching, but she is prepared to make that decision if the Legislature makes changes to the current funding system. “I have one kid in college, and another who is a senior this year and is talking about medical school! I love what I do and am not ready to leave it. I would have to consider it, though, if it meant a drastic difference in my retirement benefits. What a shame when I still have so much to offer.”

Wittman has come up with several ways to organize her membership into action. She is inviting her members to get together to write personal letters, and send them, along with their photos, to their legislators to let them know their concerns about the pension issues.

“We want to make this personal. They need to see our faces and know our stories. Their decision has the ability to affect a lot of people who have worked hard for their retirement,” Wittman said.

“If the letter writing campaign doesn’t do it, we will make a video with our members talking about the issue.  It is frustrating that while lawmakers across the state and country have been so adamant about teacher accountability, they seem to be ignoring their own! We’re dancing as fast as we can, trying to do everything they ask of us, and we may be penalized anyway!” 

Wittman also wants to plan a rally for the other PSEA members in Elk County to learn more about the pension crisis. She plans to invite local legislators to attend the rally so they can talk to teachers and support staff about the issue.