Originally Posted by
CVG767A
All things considered, I'd rather have a defined contribution plan than a defined benefit. A DB plan is always at risk- not just a market risk, but the risk inherent in relying on an airline's health. It also ties you to the company, by making it greatly to your advantage to not only stay until age 60, but to work your butt off during those last three years (when you should be slowing down).
FWIW, it the early 1980s, United stopped buying annuities for their retirees.
They were under no legal obligation to advise the union or retirees of that fact and, of course United being what they are, did not. When ALPA found out about this, they waited to long to file a grievance, and it was thrown out for untimeliness. Whether it actually had a chance is another issue.