Monday, May 21, 2007

Answer to Criticisms about Teamster Pension

It seems that there's some misinformation going around about the Teamster Pension. I've been told that, because workers at the Orange terminal are located in California, we would participate in the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust (WCTPT), not the Central States (which has had problems, to be sure.)

Here's what the Chairman of the Employer Caucus said about the financial health of the WCTPT:

Our Plan’s enrolled actuary, as well as a separate independent actuarial firm retained by the Trust, has advised the Trustees that as of January 1, 2006, the Trust no longer has an unfunded vested benefit liability (UVBL). This means there is no withdrawal liability for employers who withdraw from the Plan in 2006.

Check out the main website (on the left). You'll find that the fund is in such good shape that they've improved the accrual rate significantly.

Sounds to me like this criticism of the Teamsters Pension is just another attempt to spread doubt and confusion and delay our effort to get the respect we deserve.

7 comments:

Reddawaydriver said...

Thank you for posting the truth. Many guys in orange believed the lies that some supervisors put forth last week. We should remember that the terminal manager did not put out these lies last week in orange. He was on vacation. This misinformation was put out by low level management that seems to have a personal problem with the Teamsters. And certainly these clowns have not stayed neutral. Some say V.P. Bob Stone was involved in the lies. But lets give him the benefit of the doubt until proven differently. I for one, do not believe our President T.J.O Conner was involved. There is no reason to fight with management, they have done a good job during a tough transition. We will be Teamsters soon, just like our President Mr. O Conner was when he was an hourly employee. Thanks again for a great posting. For those who doubt the posting, do the research, you will find out that our pension is strong. And the Teamster offer is fair.

Anonymous said...

It is not going to happen if you union guys dont make contact with us. Most guys think its over. Meet me by the freeway if you can.

teamster organizer said...

Thanks for the anonymous comment; you're obviously reflecting frustration at the slow pace of negotiations that many Reddaway workers are feeling.

Important changes that meet company resistance, like a Teamster contract, don't happen easily or quickly. Most guys have had enough life experience to know that.

But I've found that, in most conflicts, the side that is more patient usually prevails.

Your point about more communication is well taken. I've heard that next week the Teamsters will try new methods to talk to workers, both card-signers and those who haven't signed cards yet.

Kari Hoefnagels said...

I can get a great pension for my families benefit. It will pay me much more than social security for the rest of life. My family can get it if I die. I've done the reading, I've checked into it backwards and forwards. This is good for me and my family. Its good for all of us. Give it a chance, look in to it.

Anonymous said...

Some guy came by my house yesterday, it was hard to tell if he was actually from the union. Did the union visit over the weekend?

teamster organizer said...

Regarding the May 28th comment about someone visiting your house; I talked to the organizers and they told me nobody was working over the Memorial Day weekend. It must have been someone else.

Kari Hoefnagels said...

A group of us are meeting with Bob Block for breakfast at 4 a. m. He said; Anywhere at anytime, he seems to be a man of his word.