Prove they could not afford what? Increased pension contributions! Just like YRC did? Did YRC in your opinion meet that criteria?
So from your post above, it appears you believe ABF is responsible for the pension obligations of individuals who never worked a day for ABF. It is an either/or question. The other proposition is as you state, fully vested Teamsters, such as myself will lose thousands of dollars in monthly retirement income.
It is do in large part of the dramatic failure of leadership in our Union. However, this financial mess (the pension and its shortfall) has been known and talked about for more than a decade and at least 3 NMFA. We, the Teamsters are also responsible for not acknowledging the 500 pound gorilla in our presence whom has recked havoc (pension obligations that have driven many unionized LTL companies bankrupt) in our house but only express outrage when it comes into the room we are currently living.
Somewhere you have jumped the track. Let me spell it out so as not to have you misunderstand my position on the pension matter. First off you started by implying that I posted that ABF should pay a higher contribution. I then ask that you post my quote on that matter. You could not because I HAVE NEVER SAID THAT. Then you come back with your last post and it was even more off the wall. And if you had ever read even one of my post you would have seen that I am always saying yrc the company and the IBT have wronged ABF Teamsters in the market place and the pension funds. For you to even think other wise is beyond my comprehension. And as for waiting until it comes into our house. Well again you have Failed to read my post over THE YEARS! I have been calling for reform and major changes and the only way to do that is a new direction in the Teamsters leadership. I can't make you vote and I can't tell you how to vote.
But now you come on here and talk about the 500 pound GORILLA! Well sir let me tell you where I stand on this matter once and for all so you won't be so confused.
I am a 35 year Teamster. I have worked for less hourly wages so the company would make a monetary CONTRIBUTION into the CSPF on my behalf so that I would have a DEFINED PENSION when I retired. I have done this for 35 years.
In this time ABF and all the other trucking companies have had representatives on the board of this fund. They have used this fund to help struggling competitors out the door when they could not afford to contribute their negotiated rate. These same Trustees allowed UPS out of the fund and they also allowed yrc to miss payments and to defer out of the fund and then they allowed them to pay 25% of the 2009 rate.
They ABF and all the other employer members of the CSPF did this, not me and the thousands of other Teamster fund members. They allowed the investors to invest our retirements not us. They allow the $80,000,000.00 to $120,000,000.00 in administrative cost annually for each fund that's right it cost that much for them to run each fund.
You cry about paying the orphans that never worked for ABF how about the HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS WE PAY OUT TO THE NON TEAMSTERS THAT HAVE NEVER DRIVEN A TRUCK OR WORKED THE DOCK EACH YEAR?
How about the almost $400,000.00 we pay the guy that is appointed to head the fund. We take penalties and reductions and the ABF and IBT Trustees keep approving raises and benefit increases for these people.
And you talk about a 500 pound GORILLA!
Now for where I stand on the pension matter.
We the Teamster Rank and File have met all our OBLIGATIONS TO THE FUNDS we have went to work everyday and watched as our body's have grown old and injured from this work we do. We have jobs that by all accounts shorten our days on this planet. We risk our lives everyday in a highly dangerous job.
We are given the task to see that AMERICA stays supplied with the things to make and keep her the greatest nation in the world. And for doing this our lives are shortened and our bodies are riddled with life changing injuries.
And for this all we ask is that everyone else LIVE UP TO THEIR OBLIGATIONS!
I have never said ABF should pay a higher CONTRIBUTION RATE. What I am saying is if ABF wants out of the funds they will have to make sure that their Teamsters are protected and that all their years of service is accounted for NO MATTER WHAT WHEN RETIREMENT COMES!
ABF is not completely innocent in this CSPF MESS! But they are not the villains either.
You must understand that we have paid our way and I believe any discussion on a pension withdrawal has to encompass a GOLDEN PARACHUTE for the ABF TEAMSTERS INVOLVED! After all I'm sure our leaders have a GOLDEN PARACHUTE Claus in their contracts. On this matter we should agree. After all our ABF Teamsters are not ORPHANS. ABF Teamsters have to understand that any change in the contributions can and will trigger a catastrophic chain of events for the ABF Rank and File Teamsters.
Every decision has to be reviewed and determined as to not destroy those that have EARNED their pension and for those that will someday be looking to retire.
No I have never ask that ABF pay more. I have just always ask that ABF take care of those that have TAKEN CARE OF ABF!
If you still have a problem understanding where I stand just feel free to ask.
YOUR HOPING YOU NOW UNDERSTAND BROTHER ALWAYS!
WE ARE ABF!
