November 17, 2017

In an exciting development for Teamsters across the country, new legislation was proposed yesterday to help protect earned pensions throughout the United States. The legislation, called the “Butch Lewis Act” after the late pension protection fighter Butch Lewis, was introduced at a press conference with the entire Democratic caucus in Congress standing in support.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa and General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall have been strong proponents of this legislation, which would be instrumental in shoring up multiemployer pension plans that may be in trouble. Multiemployer pension plans are a key element in the retirement security of Teamsters across the country.

Yesterday’s press conference included speeches from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senators Sherrod Brown, Tammy Baldwin, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Pelosi pledged her support for “no cuts” in earned pensions.

This legislation still has a ways to go before being enacted into law, but it is certainly a step in the right direction and a sign that Congress is taking Teamster pension security seriously.