Part of the problem is how these pensions are calculated. Very often a pension is based on the employee’s highest earning years (using three years is common).
So let’s say you’re a police officer, and over your career you averaged $50,000 per year. Your contributions to the pension system will reflect that number.
But in your three highest earning years you averaged $90,000 per year (you got raises, and worked all the overtime you could). You pension will be based on $90,000, not $50,000.
Yes, the last 3 (overtime) game is rigging the system.
My job did away with the “best three years” retirement option. Now it’s 50% of your final 12 months of salary, overtime included. BUT, the overtime in your final 12 months cannot be 20% more than the 12 months of your second-to-last 12 month period. So there are some checks and balances to pensions. At least in my department. FWIW.