Opposition Needs to Grow Now
Congressional Hearings Coming on New Pension Proposals

June 7, 2013: A dangerous proposal that would change federal law to allow "deeply troubled" pension plans to slash the benefits of retirees could be introduced into Congress as soon as this summer.

The time is now for opposition to eliminating the federal law known as the "anti-cutback rule." It is clear that the "deeply troubled" plans would include the Central States Pension Plan.

The U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor could hold hearings soon on the status of multi-employer pension plans, and what to do to safeguard pensions.

The dangerous proposal is part of a package put forward by the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans (NCCMP). Hoffa is on the board of directors, and Central States Director Thomas Nyhan and Teamster Int'l V.P. John Murphy are on the Steering Committee. UPS is a prominent supporter.

The NCCMP is an organization of union pension plans, employer groups and some union officials.

Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU) will actively oppose any move to eliminate the anti-cutback rule, which is an important protection in federal law. "We call upon James Hoffa to come out in opposition, and put the full force of the Teamsters Union to work for protecting Teamster pensions," said TDU Steering Committee Co-Chair and Central States retiree Dan Campbell.

There are new indications that some unions may come out in opposition to allowing pension cuts, and TDU will be working to put rank-and-file Teamsters front and center in the battle to protect pensions and propose positive solutions to safeguard the earned pensions of American workers.

If you are interested in helping with the battle to defend pensions, contact TDU at 313-842-2600 or click here to send us a message.

Click here if you would like to read more on this issue and see a copy of the NCCMP's proposal in their position paper "Solutions Not Bailouts."