Florida's statewide teachers union initiated a lawsuit that seeks to block a requirement for teachers, state workers and many local government employees to contribute 3 percent of their pay to the state pension fund.

The suit also challenges a phase-out of cost-of-living increases in retirement benefits.

The Florida Retirement System covers 655,000 active employees and provides benefits to 219,000 retirees.

The suit alleges the contribution requirement and benefit reduction violate existing public employees' contract rights that date back to a law passed in 1974 and which are guaranteed by the Florida Constitution. It also alleges the law violates a state constitutional provision that guarantees employees the right to bargain collectively.

The plaintiffs are members of FEA, local teachers unions, the Fraternal Order of Police, the AFL-CIO, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Service Employees International Union-Health Care Florida Local 1991.

The suit names Scott as a defendant along with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, all members of the State Board of Administration, as well as Department of Management Services Secretary John Miles. The board oversees pension fund investments and Miles administers the plan.