Thursday, December 08, 2005

Don't count on that pension

Verizon Unveils Major Changes to Retirement Benefits
Verizon Communications announces it is overhauling its retirement benefits. The company said it will freeze its pension plan and restrict retiree health benefits for some 50,000 non-union employees. To replace its existing pension program, Verizon will offer a 401k retirement savings plan. [All Things Considered]

So the retirement program won't grow to the point a these employees were thinking it would, by the time of their retirement. And Verizon is making lots of money today -- but it's re-positioning to compete with Google, cable companies, etc. -- and acquire MCI that had no pension program. The 401K option is a match up to 6%. Sears, Fleet Boston and others have recently decided to stop expanding traditional "defined benefit" pensions too.

No comments: