WASHINGTON—AARP Foundation welcomed the Schenectady County Supreme Court’s decision yesterday to reject the defendants’ effort to dismiss a lawsuit filed on behalf of St. Clare’s Hospital pensioners against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and St. Clare’s Corporation.

“The court’s decision clearly establishes that the plaintiffs have a sound basis for asking St. Clare’s Corporation and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany to uphold their end of the bargain,” said AARP Foundation attorney Meryl Grenadier. “Like thousands of retirees across the country, the plaintiffs earned their pension over years, sometimes decades, of hard work. This decision is an important step towards holding St. Clare’s and the Diocese accountable and restoring the financial security they promised their employees. It is all-the-more welcome given the severe economic challenges facing our clients and countless others across the country.” 

The suit was jointly filed by AARP Foundation and several other legal aid organizations on behalf of a group of long-serving former employees of St. Clare’s Hospital.  It argues that St. Clare’s acted illegally when it informed more than 1,100 former St. Clare’s Hospital employees that most of them would not receive a pension and others would have their pensions drastically reduced.

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About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope. To learn more about AARP Foundation visit aarpfoundation.org.