CUPE and YOUR Pension

The big treat of the week this week is cupe would like to have trusteeship over our pension and benefit plans. Well , I am hear to tell you, do not go along with this chess game because you will lose and I mean lose big time. If your employer is the stakeholder in your pension and benefit package and they are solely responsible for it and if the plan goes down the tubes or takes a swing downward let the employer maintain the risk and insure the future of your benefits through the employer’s payroll versus the employees’ pocket books. Cupe has made deals in the last few years that have caused extreme heartache to members who have worked for many years with the same employer and are expecting an adequate pension when they retire and an appropriate benefit package as they journey through life. This can come to an abrupt halt when a union decides it is best for their members if the union looks after their benefit package. If you have members who sit on boards that keep you abreast of what is going on and have a little input into improvements to various plans, that is one thing ; but , never let anyone talk you into voting for cupe or any other union to take over your pension or any benefit plan. Leave the risk up to the employer; and rest assured, they will not gamble their money away because cupe will hide behind local union automomy when it comes to risk and you will be left out in the cold. Watchdog annie.