Unless there was a federal law fully protecting/insuring pensions then I don't think it makes sense for any individual company. I think a federally insured pension tied to the individual so you could change jobs would be a good idea. In theory that could just be social security, but people don't conceive of it in that way and assume a more complex financial instrument and private middlemen are necessary to be paid adequately in retirement. Pensions that are totally in the hands of a company until they are threatened or gutted in bankruptcy are a terrible idea to me. I don't trust any law will be made in the interest of labor in the foreseeable future and so prefer direct contribution. Once deposited its yours in total and not vulnerable to adjustment or threats or anyone telling you what you need to settle for, only the swings of the general market. Not ideal, but it seems better than losing the pension by way of some loop hole.