Phased-in retirement is really a catch phrase that can include special assignments, mentoring, job sharing, and end to shift work, reduced hours and telecommuting. Unfortunately, the tax, pension and paperwork implications of these accommodations pose barriers that can translate into inertia.

In New Brunswick it was the nurses’ union that brought phased-in retirement to the bargaining table. Having spent so many years fighting for improved pensions, unions are cautious about sending mixed signals to employers. As our Viewpoints survey found, however, the strongest support for phased-in retirement does in fact come from public sector unions, (48% citing this option as very important in meeting the skill shortage challenge, Viewpoints 2002).