Union retirees: Don't cut my pension --- Good Read

[oldngray]

"Central States lobbied heavily for the new pension-cutting measure, which has led many of its retirees to speculate that it will be one of the first plans to reduce benefits."

So the teamster lobbied congress to cut pensions?

It wasn't just the Teamsters that lobbied for reduction of benefits.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union is a heavyweight on the labor scene. It pays its president $350,000 a year. It’s holding its next executive board meeting in February at a swanky beachfront resort in Hollywood, Florida. And it just doled out nearly $8 million to influence the last election and lobby Washington.

But when it comes to standing by the obligation unions made to provide pensions to retirees, UFCW pleaded poverty in persuading Congress to let chronically underfunded union pension plans cut the benefits of workers, including those already retired.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/29/big-spending-unions-got-congress-to-approve-pensio/

 

[BigUnionGuy]

It wasn't just the Teamsters that lobbied for reduction of benefits.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union is a heavyweight on the labor scene. It pays its president $350,000 a year. It’s holding its next executive board meeting in February at a swanky beachfront resort in Hollywood, Florida. And it just doled out nearly $8 million to influence the last election and lobby Washington.

But when it comes to standing by the obligation unions made to provide pensions to retirees, UFCW pleaded poverty in persuading Congress to let chronically underfunded union pension plans cut the benefits of workers, including those already retired.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/29/big-spending-unions-got-congress-to-approve-pensio/

That article, is more than misleading.

I haven't noticed anyone mention how all of this is compounded by someone retiring at a young age. Early fifties is a very young age to retire, (sure you may have met all the established guidelines.) But, can you reasonably expect to retire after 30 years of contributions, and then be paid benefits for upwards of 40 years (more than your working lifetime.)

And, reality.... is injected in to the conversation.



-Bug-

 

[Brownslave688]

And, reality.... is injected in to the conversation.



-Bug-

Which means former employees were promised more than could be delivered.

 

[BigUnionGuy]

Which means former employees were promised more than could be delivered.

It's a little more complex, than that.

I agree, that some people "had an illusion".


But, Caveat Emptor.... kind of applies.



-Bug-

 

[bbsam]

It almost sounds like union members excusing the companies. As if people should just realize it couldn't be true.

So what is UPS promising today that members can expect to disappear in the next 20 years?

 

[Brownslave688]

Just look at the amount of money going into the pensions now compared to 30-40 years ago.

Many of those pension have had massive increases in contributions but minimal increases in pension amounts. Some have even decreased.

Funny this last contract my BA said he was amazed that we got raises because we already made plenty. He didn't mention a word about health and Wellfare increases.

 

[IVE GOTTA PACKAGE 4U]

It almost sounds like union members excusing the companies. As if people should just realize it couldn't be true.

So what is UPS promising today that members can expect to disappear in the next 20 years?

A job.

 

[bbsam]

A job.

Now that's a sobering thought.

 

[IVE GOTTA PACKAGE 4U]

Now that's a sobering thought.

Think about It. Transport from A to B,have party C deliver It.

 

[Brownslave688]

A job.

Come on give me another 25-30

You're right though I think todays drivers are the last group that will drive long enough to retire from ups

 

[oldngray]

A job.

It's more than a job. It's an adventure.

 

[IVE GOTTA PACKAGE 4U]

Come on give me another 25-30

You got that sugar momma.

 

[Brownslave688]

You got that sugar momma.

Like I tell everyone else. If I had some terrible job making 25k a year sure i would just quit and be a stay at home dad. But 80-90k a year can buy lots of toys.

 

[IVE GOTTA PACKAGE 4U]

Like I tell everyone else. If I had some terrible job making 25k a year sure i would just quit and be a stay at home dad. But 80-90k a year can buy lots of toys.

You might make 25k next year. If you keep taking "the day" lol

 

[Brownslave688]

You might make 25k next year. If you keep taking "the day" lol

Already had a talk with the boss. No dead days for me next year. Ok I told him only a few a month.

 

[Brownslave688]

Hoping to make a rather large purchase this year and 2 days a week for proof of income just ain't gonna cut it.