The Ohio Employee Retirement Agreement, commonly referred to as ERA, is a legally binding contract between an employer and employee in the state of Ohio. It outlines the terms and conditions associated with the retirement benefits that the employee will receive upon retirement from the company. One of the primary goals of the Ohio Employee Retirement Agreement is to ensure financial security for employees during their retirement years. It provides a comprehensive framework for the retirement benefits that an employee can expect, including pension plans, retirement savings accounts, healthcare coverage, and other post-employment benefits. The agreement typically includes details about the eligibility criteria that an employee must meet to qualify for retirement benefits. This may include factors such as years of service, age requirements, or a combination of both. It also specifies the calculation methods used to determine the level of benefits the employee will receive. There are different types of retirement agreements offered to Ohio employees, depending on the nature of their employment. These include: 1. Defined Benefit Plan (DBP): This retirement agreement guarantees a specific benefit amount to employees based on a predetermined formula. The formula commonly considers factors such as years of service and average salary. Employers usually contribute to the plan, and employees receive a monthly payment during retirement based on the defined benefit. 2. Defined Contribution Plan (DCP): In this type of retirement agreement, the employer and employee make contributions to an individual retirement account or a similar investment account. The value of the account upon retirement depends on the investment performance and contribution amounts. Unlike a DBP, there is no predetermined benefit amount. 3. Cash Balance Plan: A cash balance plan combines certain aspects of both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. It guarantees a lump sum benefit at retirement, typically calculated as a percentage of the employee's average salary over a specific period, with predetermined interest credits. It is essential for both employers and employees to fully understand the terms and provisions of the Ohio Employee Retirement Agreement before signing it. The agreement serves as a protective measure for both parties and ensures that retirement benefits are fairly provided to employees based on their contributions and years of service.