Local teamsters mobilize against pension cuts

A group campaigning to stop anticipated pension cuts for tens of thousands of Wisconsin retirees urged those affected to inundate members of Congress with requests to take action.

About 330 retired Teamsters attended a meeting at Stadium View Bar & Grille in Ashwaubenon on Saturday for a progress update on the fight against Central States Pension Fund’s request to slash pension payments in order to remain solvent.

There are an estimated 40,000 retired Teamsters in Wisconsin who would be affected by the cuts.

“Fight for your rights in your life. (Politicians are) trying to steal it, and the only way they’re going to understand is if we get in their face in Washington,” said Bob Amsden, co-chairman of the Wisconsin Committee to Protect Pensions based in Milwaukee.

Bernie Anderson, the other co-chairman, said retirees need to mobilize quickly and send letters to members of the Senate Finance Committee in the next two weeks before it takes up the issue.

“There’s a lot of things going on, but government works so slow it’ll drive you nuts. Bob (Amsden) and I aren’t giving up, but we need all of your help,” Anderson said.

At issue is the 2014 Kline-Miller Multiemployer Pension Reform Act that allows pension plans to request federal permission to slash payouts if their payments significantly exceed the fund’s income.

The Central States Pension Fund is asking to cut its payments to close a $2 billion annual shortfall. The impact on individuals would be a 50 percent cut to their pensions.

In addition to its letter writing campaign, the committee to protect pensions has hired lobbyists to push lawmakers for support and is planning a demonstration in Washington in April.

“Legislation got us into this mess. It’s the only thing that can get us out,’ Anderson said.

Pat McKenney, a 64-year-old retired truck driver from Green Bay, said the threat of losing half his pension makes him angry and nervous about being able to afford his home.

But, the aggressive campaign by his fellow Teamsters to stop the cuts gives him hope, he said.

“Is there hope here? Yes. These guys are pushing for it hard, and I’m going to be calling my Congressmen, too,” he said.

arodewal@pressgazettemedia.com and follow him Twitter @AdamGRodewald and on Facebook at Facebook.com/AdamGRodewald.

Teamsters pension meeting

What: The Green Bay committee of Wisconsin Committees to Protect Pensions is hosting another informational meeting.

Who: The meeting is open to active workers, retirees, spouses and seniors concerned about protecting pensions.

When: 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 10

Where: Stadium View Bar & Grille, 1963 Holmgren Way, Ashwaubenon

For more: Visit www.mycspensionhandsoff.com or Facebook.com/Wisconsin-Green-Bay-Committee-to-Protect-Pensions-1501947560112500/