US News

LIRR PENSION CON DERAILED

As many as one-third of retired LIRR workers receiving disability pensions may have to get off the gravy train.

Sources said the US Railroad Retirement Board yesterday voted to adopt five new reforms as a result of the scandal in which nearly every retired employee was able to score the federal pensions.

Part of the new plan would be to “re-evaluate dubious disability claims” currently being paid at an average yearly rate of $25,000, the source said.

At least 30 percent of the “disabled” LIRR workers are expected to be asked to submit to a new medical exam by a doctor chosen by the USRRB, not the retiree – as was the case in the past.

“This plan takes several solid steps forward toward reforming the disability system for LIRR employees,” said Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Tim Bishop (D-LI) in a joint statement.