Multiemployer Pension Plans

Harriet Weinstein and William J. Wiatrowski are economists in the Division of Compensation Data Analysis and Planning, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cathy A. Baker, in the same office, provided tabulations for this article. Telephone: (202) 606-6237 E-mail: Weinstein_H@bls.gov Wiatrowski_W@bls.gov The nightly news often introduces viewers to little-known topics, such as scud missiles and junk bonds. When discussing labor issues in recent years, one obscure topic that garnered attention was multiemployer pension plans. In the 1997 labor dispute between the United Parcel Service and the Teamsters, the future of contributions to a multiemployer pension plan was a key issue. In addition, multiemployer pension plans were debated as part of the recent Teamsters’ election. This article uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employee Benefits Survey and other sources to provide a background on multiemployer pension plans. What are these plans? Whom do they cover? How did they develop and what regulations control them? What are the unique features of these plans and how do these features differ from other pension plans?