Editorial: Big pensions, big obligations

Any attempt to rein in public employee pensions to control costs runs smack into gale-force opposition, but when pensions and benefits outstrip salaries, something's got to give.

In New York City, pensions and fringe benefits for uniformed workers -- police, fire, sanitation and corrections -- will cost the city more next year ($7.63 billion) than those workers' pay ($7.47 billion). And it's not just a local problem. With pensions for top U.S. military brass now topping $270,000 a year, retirement sometimes pays better than the job. Calling the surging cost of pay, pensions and medical care unsustainable, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta asked last week for a congressional commission to review retirement benefits for future enlistees. Retirement should be secure, but it has to be affordable for taxpayers, too.