WASHINGTON– AARP Foundation Senior Vice President for Litigation William Alvarado Rivera issued the following statement after the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court ruled in favor of St. Clare’s pensioners. On October 11, 2018, St. Clare’s Corporation told more than 1,100 former St. Clare’s Hospital employees that despite their years of service, most of them would not receive a pension and others would have their pensions drastically reduced. Today, the Appellate Division unanimously upheld a trial court ruling allowing the pensioners to proceed with their case.

“We’re very pleased with the court’s decision, both for the St. Clare’s pensioners and for the precedent it sets in the State of New York. Justice requires that these hard-working, dedicated people who served their community for years receive the pensions they were promised, like other retirees across the country. St. Clare’s Corporation and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany are responsible for holding up their end of the bargain and restoring the financial security promised to their employees.”

This case was filed on behalf of a group of former nurses, orderlies, laboratory technicians, clerical and housekeeping staff, and others who worked for years—in many cases, decades—at St. Clare’s Hospital of Schenectady, New York, a part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Pursuing this case with AARP Foundation are Victoria Esposito of the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY (LASNNY), Gary Stone of Legal Services of NYC-Brooklyn Legal Services, David Pratt, and Jim Reilly of Herzog Law.

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About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable people over 50 build economic opportunity. Our approach emphasizes equitable outcomes for populations that have faced systemic discrimination. As AARP's charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by building supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.