U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has formally requested that Senate President Milton Potter call upon the Territory’s major union leaders to testify before the 36th Legislature regarding the controversial practice of “double-dipping” by sitting Senators—receiving both a government pension and a full legislative salary while also accruing a second pension.
In a letter delivered to the Senate President today, Governor Bryan urged that the presidents of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), United Steelworkers, Seafarers International Union (SIU), and the Virgin Islands Central Labor Council, among others, be invited to present testimony on behalf of their union members. The Governor emphasized the importance of hearing directly from labor leaders about how this practice affects working-class public employees’ trust in the government and retirement system.
“This is about fairness and equity,” Governor Bryan said. “The hard-working men and women of this Territory—teachers, police officers, nurses, maintenance staff—are being asked to contribute more, retire later, and accept fewer benefits. Meanwhile, lawmakers are collecting two forms of compensation and building a second pension on top of their first. That’s a conversation we must have out in the open.”
The Governor noted that many government employees are required to make significant financial sacrifices under the GERS system, which has faced long-standing solvency issues. He stated that while the practice may be legally permitted, it demands scrutiny from the public and those who represent the workforce.
“I believe union leaders, as the voice of our working families, should weigh in on whether this system reflects the principles of fairness they advocate for every day,” Bryan added.
Governor Bryan said he is committed to working with the Legislature and labor community to protect and sustain the GERS, but that transparency and accountability must come first.
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