30 years ago I don’t think pensions were 401K’s I think they were just a straight pension without contributions I could be wrong, my mom worked for civil service and she was given the option to change to a 401K however she chose not to!!! Her pension was with no contributions!!!
most public employees in the US get a pension with their own and an employer contribution. Percentages differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In Cal the pensions payouts are required by the state constitution.