Retirement Security

AB 1383 (McKinnor)

CPF’s sponsored bill to strengthen firefighter retirement security.

Being a firefighter means bearing health and safety risks that do not exist in other occupations. While we have always known about the physical dangers that exist in our unique workplace, we have recently discovered increased exposures on the job to cancer-causing pollutants that pose long-term risks to our health. Cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters in America. The longer we firefighters are on the job, the higher the risk we take of job-related injury or death.

That’s why we must fight to reform our retirement system in California so that we can retire safely. CPF is currently advocating for AB 1383, which lowers the retirement age for CalPERS public safety officers and ensures firefighters have security after their service.

UPDATE:
AB 1383 MOVES FORWARD TO ASSEMBLY FLOOR

AB 1383 (McKinnor), CPF’S highest priority and only retirement security measure, has advanced out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee with amendments made to the measure by the committee. This crucial step forward is the result of months of hard work and advocacy from CPF’s leaders and members, with more than 2,300 letters sent by individual members in a one-week period. See below for more information on how to support. 

While we are still waiting to see the final language but we believe the amendments made to AB 1383 by the committee removed the provision to allow for bargaining over cost-sharing and adjusted the pensionable compensation cap. The measure now advances to the Assembly Floor with the following provisions: the adjusted pensionable compensation cap, lowering the retirement age from 57 to 55; creating a new safety plan option with a 3% at 55 formula; and allowing for bargaining increases in benefits within allowable tiers. While we were hopeful we could maintain all provisions as originally introduced, we are proud to advance this amended proposal and will continue to fight for a stronger and more secure retirement. 

The road ahead still requires action and engagement from our entire CPF community. AB 1383 is now headed to the Assembly Floor for a full vote within the next week, the final step in the Assembly before it moves to the California State Senate.  

To keep this moving forward, we need our local leaders to be on the lookout for communication from CPF to assist with advocacy with your legislators. Your outreach is critical to ensuring that this measure not only passes through the Assembly onto the Senate but does so with the strongest support possible. 

As momentum builds, we need members to stay engaged and ready to act. Your continued advocacy will be key to pushing this bill over the finish line. 

Get involved today! 

If you have not yet submitted a letter in support of AB 1383, there’s still time to send one to your legislator to show your support. 

Together, we are building a safer, stronger retirement future for every firefighter in California. Let’s keep pushing forward.

SEND A LETTER

TAKE ACTION ON RETIREMENT REFORM

“Retirement reform will mean more years with my family and less impact to my health. Being able to retire before the age of 57 would allow me to stay healthier and avoid burnout and work fatigue. The reduction is years with lack of sleep and increased stress will have a direct reflection on my health and longevity.”

- Tyler Gillespie, Humboldt Bay Professional Firefighters L652

  • We are privileged to work an amazing job that affords us the ability to forge relationships and live comfortably however it comes at a cost and the cost is physical. Despite best efforts to stay healthy the fact remains that age 57 simply will not be feasible for most. Reform would allow me and my family freedom in many ways.

    Anonymous, Roseville Firefighters Local 1592

  • I got a late start into the fire service after a career change. I absolutely love my career, but the idea of working in these arduous conditions until I'm 57 is daunting. If reform was enacted and I was able to retire at an earlier age I would have more years with my family, more ability to enjoy what I worked so hard for.

    Anonymous, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

  • As someone who was hired at an older age (36), the ability to retire at an age that keep me off the front lines means the ability to grow old as a grandpa. More years on the front lines would deteriorate my health at an age where I ought to flourish. Though we train to be strong and durable, we are still fallible and can be injured even on the most benign calls.

    Louis Stanfill, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

  • By the time I am able to retire with the full amount for my pension I will have been a firefighter for 35 years. My father was a firefighter as well. When I retire, I'll be three years younger than he was when he was diagnosed with cancer. Being able to retire two years earlier may not seem like alot but those two years may not be enjoyed later as well.

    Anonymous, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

  • It means the ability to see a life outside of work. 57 puts us on a path to leave injured and being unable to use our years of retirement to enjoy ourselves after sacrifice. It will protect us and our families from hardships. It will create an improved and motivated work force that wants to get more done in less time.

    Griffin Sims, United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230

  • Retirement reform means better quality of life and health in my retirement. Firefighting is a physically demanding job for anyone of any age. As our bodies get older and the natural progressions of age start showing up, the job takes an even bigger toll on the body. Strokes, heart attacks, and early death are all symptoms of the body being taxed every day over a long career. Having the ability to retire earlier will afford firefighters the ability to maintain better health and a longer life into their retirement.

    Anonymous, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

  • Pension reform is important because it recognizes the hazards of firefighting as a profession and appropriately compensates firefighters for the sacrifices they make at work. These sacrifices not only include the physical risks of the job and the hardship on the body that it requires, but also the mental, emotional, and health hazards associated with the profession.

    Scott Hayes, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

The Membership Activism Committee needs your help to pass AB 1383. Sign up to receive more information and join us in this fight.

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