I will retire April 30, 2009. It's really hard to get to that point, especially for an older female. I started at age 37 and with the way things are going now in the company I doubt I could do it. I'm so glad I did, and I won't stay 1 day longer. It was a little bit tempting after the new contract, they are adding to our Western States Pension contribution with the new contract, in fact the BA said if a driver stays for all 5 years of the contract it would add $1900 a month to their pension. Some are thinking of staying, I thought about staying a LITTLE longer for about 5 seconds. Told my CM some were planning to stay longer because of this, she said "Get out just as soon as you can"
I'm happy that the new contract will add about $300 a month to my pension, and also a new perk for us is all the cash out money like vacation days will now also net us a check a retirement for the amount that would have been paid into the fund if we had used those days. I am leaving the end of the month of my senority so I will be cashing out 6 weeks of vacation pay plus right now (knock on wood) I also have 45 sick days.
BTW don't let anyone in
UPS tell you you can't cash out vacation days before your senority date if you retire. Luckily my senority date comes out just right for my retirement, but if you were to retire say, after your birthday instead (the way it could work out for those in Western States) They may tell you you have not earned any vacation until your senority date. NOT TRUE you acrue those hours 1/12 every month and you CAN cash them out, but you may have to fight for them. Also this may work out as an option if you were to retire early
Re: how many folks actually retire from ups??? 
