Cleveland Iron Workers vote to approve pension cuts: Iron Workers Local 17 becomes first plan to cut

Response To Above Article From The Chairman of The National United Committee to Protect Pensions...



I didn't know, have never seen, any contract, form or paperwork, that reads or describes a limit on time or money that you were allowed to draw out of your guaranteed pension, for the hard work and dedication you provided to your employer or the Union that you supported and built while you were a part of that Union, whether Local or National.
It seems to be bad management, lack of BROTHERHOOD, greed, deceit and deception as to why these people, whose lives and dignity will now be in Jeopardy, along with a law that the vast majority of all, including Congress, were ambushed with, are having their pensions reduced, with less than a weeks notice.
It is ashame that the Unions of today are throwing these people under the bus, the people that built these Unions, the people that fought hard, worked hard, to build the halls, provide the officers and active workers their wages, that are more than what the these people ever made.
Along with a rigged vote, undemocratic law, lack of total education to all participants on the whole issue, no transparency and the total lack of brotherhood that use to be in unions, which officers and members once shared, and all had a voice, that has changed, in many Unions, to make one wonder who is on what side.
Wouldn't it have been nice to see all Unions join together, to create a fair an equitable solution for all, to work together, especially the funds and Locals that were offered help, by those seeking a solution, only asking for your participation, patience and time to create a solution. But no, we'll take the easy way out, ignore the most vulnerable, the weakest link in the chain and side with the very few, a handful, that forgot their roots, became rich off members that supported them at one time but now align themselves with big money. And you wonder why Unions are dying. You have lost the concept of Unions. Whether you realize it or not, you are advocating for "right to work", union busting and the reverse of the Robin Hood theory, meaning your stealing from the poor and giving it to the rich. You are playing right into the hands that are against unions. You are destroying Unions from within.
I hope these Locals take up a collection for those that will not be able to purchase their medication, afford their housing, pay their bills because a promise was taken away from them. You have destroyed these people's lives and dignity.
And as far as the Locals and Funds filing applications, to reduce pensions of the most vulnerable, keep in mind, you are a minority. You can use every excuse you can think of but, out of 1400 funds in the multi-employer pension system, less than 15 have filed, possibly up to 50 more MAY file, some only taking advantage of a terrible law. The rest are weathering the storm because of great, educated fund managers and trustees. And you fall where ?
To the active workers that are driven against the retirees, by your funds, your Locals and their counsel, what action would you take, who would you seek, what would be taken away from you, what would you lose that you worked hard for, if your wages were reduced 50% or more next week, with less than a weeks notice? Can you blame those being reduced for fighting, would you not be doing the same, would you not want them to join you? You are union why ? Is that how or the direction Unions are taking these days, it's "I" not "us". And for those that do not even exercise their "right to vote", you are why the country and the union is like it is today.
And to counsel Ms. Pofok, what a "stupid" statement to make from a supposedly educated attorney, getting paid big dollars with Union money. To address these people, that have lost their dignity, probably their lives, in their last years, from a person that is being bought to create this catastrophe, with their money, rather than seek and join in with those trying to seek fair and equitable solution, instead of a fixed vote to destroy them, you are the reason that gives attorneys a bad name. I hope the NCCMP, Segal Group, Groom Law Firm and all have a position for you and the deceit you display to retirees. You definitely belong with them. How any Union would hire you is beyond many of us, including many attorneys.
To the International Union Officers of the different Unions and funds that are for destroying the lives of the most vulnerable, working behind closed doors for the benefit of yourselves, endorsing a very undemocratic law, that some of you were instrumental in creating, working with the wealthy instead of those that pay your wages and pensions, Why ? Why no transparency or accountability to your participants ? How could you even be a party to such a law ? How much are you losing ? Better yet, how much have you gained or going to gain ? What happened to solidarity and brotherhood ? And who do you actually align yourself with because it definitely not the people you are supposed to represent and fight for?
Why don't all you so called Union leaders and fund managers bury your egos, your power trips, to work together, instead of defying each other, which only has a negative effect on the participants and public ? Fight, represent, be transparent to those that put you where you are, pay the money you make and do the work that is expected of you, instead of what is obviously the opposite. You all know who I'm speaking of, you all know who you are that we do appreciate your working for us. It's obvious that some are just power hungry by displaying their lobbying ways to Congress Members, disrespect to the union members they are supposed to represent.
And lastly to the Senate and House members, thank you to those that have listened to us, met with us and are seeking solutions for all to be fair equitable. But one question, the majority of you agree we were ambushed with the MPRA 2014, along with some help from some of our so called union leaders. Most of you agree the MPRA is a bad law.
So, why aren't you, as members of Congress, making a move to repeal a law that never was heard nor brought up on the floor for discussion ? Why are you not making a move to bring it back on the floor for discussion, to remove the bad and add good before more participants lose their lives, dignity and all they worked for such as the participants in Ironworkers Local 17, unlike the ones that created the MPRA 2014, not losing one dime and ambushed you and I.

Mike Walden
Chairman, NUCPP
:usa:
 
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Can President Trump help ironworkers about to lose part of pensions? Retiree family makes an unlikely plea

http://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2017/01/can_president_trump_help_the_i.html
It's Federal Law, passed by Congress, and signed by a Prez. I know of no legal way a President can Unilaterally do anything here. He can request Congress to act, or he can ask a judge for a temporary Injunction. But I don't see how he can do much else by himself.

Presidents can order already authorized funds be redirected, but he won't do that for ONE fund, when Thousands more funds are in deep crap too. There simply is not enough money.
 
So we all need to face the facts that are union heads have squandered our retirement funds.
All the tears,& rants are not going to change,that the money is running out.

Well all will have to do some belt tightening & cut back where we can to survive our sunset years.

Thanks to all who have contributed comments & links to this topic,it is better to be informed,then to be in the dark.
 
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