Raises are here, but pension reform not introduced in Philadelphia City Council

A bill to change the Philadelphia employee pension system has not been introduced, even though it’s part of a deal that brought a pay increase to non-union employees in city government.

The deal would provide for a hybrid pension for new city workers — a smaller traditional pension check to be augmented with a 401K style plan. It also calls for city workers to start kicking in more toward retirement.

It was part of the agreement with non-union workers. The Nutter administration would like to implement it for unionized workers as well. They’re on the job without a contract for four years.

Council President Darrell Clarke says the bill isn’t ready to be introduced.

“My process tends to be when you introduce a bill it’s ready for debate hopefully we would pass it in a relatively expeditious manner,” said Clarke.

Clarke says he’s not feeling any pressure from the unions to hold the bill.

“Traditionally those particular issues are resolved at the bargaining table and the exempt employees get the benefits associated with that contract related agreement. In this particular case it’s the other way around which is why we have to analyze it thoroughly.”

The Nutter administration says Clarke has the bill and is confident it will be introduced when council is ready.