Tim,

While no rule covers everything, I have a different point of view.

Let's say, when you were hired 20 or 30 years ago the company made their
pension benefits part
of the sales pitch. Thereby making this part of the deal for employment.
Now, 20 or 30 years later,
your retired and you find out that this will be taken away.

My point of view is there was a deal made, and now the companies are wanting
to renig on their
agreement. You wouldn't want to do business with a company that would treat
their warrenty this
way. Yet there is little protection to those who accepted this package as an
employee.

I therefore don't see this as an issue of saving the company money, but
living up to an agreement.
Of course this will vary between companies and situations. I do know that
some of the places
I have worked really banged on their drums about this type of benefit.

And I do agree about CNN. I stopped watching their brand of propaganda some
time back.

Blessings


----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Cummings" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 1:53 AM
Subject: Re: OT: Feds approve benefit cuts for retirees


> You need to get past the typical CNN scare tactics headline.
>
> I read the same article and I don't see the problem.  These companies
> are supplying a benefit for their ex-employees.  They want to cut
> costs by coordinating benefits with Medicare.  The employee still gets
> the benefit (health care coverage) but instead of the company sponsored
plan
>
> being the primary payer, Medicare is.  If the employee qualifies for
> Medicare why not use the benefits you have paid for over the years
> (Medicare taxes) instead of sticking it to the company you have worked
for?
>
> If you worked for a company that provided this benefit, why wouldn't you
> want to help them save some money?  It may make the difference between you
> having that benefit or loosing it in the future!
>
> Tim
>

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