text: PERS isn't a union-only benefit, so blaming unions is wrong-headed here. The majority of these payees were probably not in union ranks, which is why they were able to negotiate such high salaries for themselves and end up with commensurately high retirement benefits. I'm a teacher, and believe me, if there is anything at all left for us non-Tier One workers when we hit retirement age, it won't be anything for private sector workers to feel envious about.