Chris Christie on shared sacrifice and a Presidential bid

Surprised Cavuto said the union workers would say something about '…I paid in for this benefit…'–If the topic is pensions, those are 'defined benefit' reitrement plans.  Unlike a 401k, 403b, or 457 def comp, which are funded by the employee, thus those 'qualified defined contribution plans are distinctly different.  Pensions are fund by the employer, NOT the employee. I have way more questions than answers when it comes to public employees pensions–Such as, in the private sector, pensions are often determined by 'the rule of 70', add age + years of service=what level of pension would be paid, and typically in private sector, pensions usually don't start any earlier than age 62.  From what I understand, public employess can start collecting their pensions, when in their fifties–it this true?  If so, does the individual pay the 10% penalty to the IRS for premature distribution prior to age 59.5, which would normally apply to 401k, etc?  I have way more questions than answers, but Christie embodies the leadership needed to start asking the hard questions we need to squarely face.  Enough of kicking our challenges down the road.