Are we doing all we can.......? - Page 3

Docksteward · #13 (**permalink**) 09-17-2006, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toxic

I think the ones that are talking negative about joining the Union are still upset about the pension issue. I think it all goes back to that. At least that is when I remember all the disgust grow and get prevalent with our organization.

The changes in our pension in my region has caused me to work 4 more years than expected. I will be 57 then and have 34 years of service with Central States. And I will still be penalized for my age....:(

This post is not meant to talk negative about the IBT or Central States. But it is meant to tell what happened to me. And I am sure there are a lot of others like me....

I agree with you DS "WE" need to do what we can and help the organization grow. But it gets hard for me when "THEY" ask me about pension issues. How do you tell them them might have to work until there late 50's or early 60's before they can afford to retire? With the penalty for the age and the insurance premiums they will have to pay. I think the cap on insurance premiums is $1050.00 a month.

In the nut shell if you come to a Union carrier covered by Central States and the NMFA and you are 18 years of age. At the present requirements you will have to work until you are 57 just to be able to get medical insurance. It is not available until age 57. That would make you have 39 years of service and you would still get a percentage of your retirement taken away because you are not ....62 or 63... I forget that age there.....

Hey Toxic.......the Central States/Western States pension problems had a huge affect. Most of us want to do our 25 or 30 and retire. Due to the percentage of the age and the health of the current retired members those funds had to act or they would fall into federal hands!! I know that you know this, and I know that doesn't help any, but lots of members don't understand that fact. All they know is they can't retire at 48 with $3,000 per month and that sux. What sux is working your years and depending on the PBGC to give you what's left. In my eyes it was a no win situation for the current leaders of the IBT. Cut benifits and keep the funds above water and piss off thousands of members or let the PBGC take over and piss off thousands of members?!? My friend, I don't have all the answers but looking at what could have happened and how we have the chance to rebuild the funds.....I think we are very lucky we didn't get caught up having to deal with the PBGC like some others. One other thing and I'll get off my soap box

let us not forget about the retirees that built this union that are still alive and some don't get more than $700 a month!! They are the ones that made all of this possible, for us. Next month at the union meeting we'll talk to a few of them, if you like. DS.