Any claim that joining UDAM is a threat to your pension is false. Download the Retirement Definitions Statute below and you will see that Public Defense workers are included in the plan by Section 352.01 of Minnesota Statutes. Furthermore, Subdivision 19 of Section 179A.03 of Minnesota Statutes specifically excludes pension contributions and benefits from the list of things that can be negotiated between a union and employer. Your pension is guaranteed by Minnesota Statutes. It makes no difference to which union you belong. For more information, including the provisions for employer and employee contributions, go here: