My question mark was for your contradictory statement about your weakened pension plan, not it's structure or financial health, but golly gee, I sure am honored to have you share your infinite wisdom spelling out these complex issues for a little pea brain like me. And since you questioned my intelligence, I'll chime in on your projections of doom and gloom.
If your plan stands at 90% funded (probably as of 1/1/15), it is very healthy and could be fully funded (assuming a 7.5% avg ROI) within 6 years. Now a 7.5% ROI isn't likely this year so I'll add in a few years and go to 2023. If any wage increases have been diverted to H&W from Pension allocations that means your plan trustees, following the plans actuarial valuation, have responsibly determined the negotiated contribution increases have exceeded the minimum amount required to enhance your PPA '06 mandated FSA (Funding Standard Account) credit balance. The FSA is charged with the normal cost and amortization of increases or decreases in the unfunded actuarial accrued liability due to plan amendments (peer80), experience gains or losses, and changes in the actuarial assumptions and funding methods.
Every plan uses the actuarial valuation model for forecasting. Of course the future is uncertain and unknowable (even to one as sagacious as you). Nevertheless reasonable valuation models have been predictive of projections and widely used by plan trustees, who receive no salary for their services despite your inaccurate allegation.
Some of the pertinent stresses on your plan this year include increases in the RP-2000 Blue Collar Mortality Table (a major contributor in the unfunded liability increases that Bubblehead questioned in a previous thread) and increased required payments to the PBGC, to help sustain other less well funded plans.
Notwithstanding these stressors, your plan is increasing its (FSA) credit balance and lessening it's dependence on additional contributions. In short, your plan is being run by trustees who are exceeding 90% of the plans in their peer group, the transportation sector. You're not getting weaker, your plan is getting stronger and most likely will be increasing payouts in the near future as few union trustees want to go to negotiations with a plan exceeding 90% funded.
I could go on for a few more hours on this but I'm guessing you'd just be more confused so while you still have some limited cognitive function here's a quick lesson ... stop bringing knives to gunfights.
's because I know I'm winning. Can you please give me one on this post? You could be my St Nick and give me a Christmas present. 
