Could not let statement by Rob go without stating some facts about the Union Pension.  IUOE News Letter 2009 - Union moves to cut pension benefits.  Efective 1 April 2009 Union reduces future benefit amounts by 67%  This means that anything that is contributed in your name after 1 April you will only get 33% of what you would have received under the prior program.  The union is using an accounting rule to protect themselves from government control.  The plans "funded current liability percentage" for plan year 2006 was 70%  For plan year 2007 it was 64.9%  Can you see a trend here? This is BEFORE the current stock market crash.  Look at this from an employers point of view.  If they are signatory to the fund and they either leave the plan or sell or go out of business then they are liable for their pro rata portion of the under funded plan.  Even though they may have paid in all the money they were required to by contact they are on the hook for a lot more.  This is the Internation Pension Fund.  Many local or independent union funds are in worse shape.  If the union cannot turn around its fund it is in danger of being taken over by the government and drastic steps may be taken.  Some of these are increased contributions by members or what is worse is a reduced retirement check for current retirees.  All of this is public information available at the Pension Guarantee Website  at www.pbgc.gov   It is not a user friendly website and you really have to dig in and explore to get the truth.  Hey Todd - this is not meant as a statement for or against unions but just some facts - let me know if you want me to email you the Annual Funding notices that I reference.

So Mike, are you saying I would be better off working for you at .50 cents on the dollar?  I personally think my current deal with Local 101 is considerably more generous than what you offer.  Just my opinion.