i got fired from my job after working in it for 28 years,because of alcoholisim.now i get social security disability.i used to belong to seiu 32b 32j union.does anyone know if iam entitle to my unions pension even tho i got fired.iam 60 years old.
2007-11-02 19:11:15 · 4 answers · asked by x 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Check with your union rep, but I'd think that you'd be eligible.
2007-11-02 19:15:10 · answer #1 · answered by Judy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The union didn't hire you; the company did. You have to read your union rules. My father gets a union pension but only as long as he keeps paying union dues. That could be a problem if you haven't been paying since you were fired. If they don't give you a pension, then ask what happens to the balance of your account. You should be "vested" and entitled to something.
I hope you are able to kick the habit; at least long enough to straighten out this mess. If all else fails, get a lawyer. But be aware, some of them want a cut of a pension they win for a client FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE! Don't agree to terms like that.
2007-11-02 19:25:06 · answer #2 · answered by Huba 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, US law prohibits a pension plan from denying benefits because of your reason for termination.
Once you are vested in a benefit (probably after 10 years of service in this case) you cannot lose your benefit.
Note that the plan may restrict the timing for payment in that no benefits or a reduced benefit is payable while you are on disability.
In addition, Union plans are sticklers for making sure you are not working in a related non-union job and receiving a benefit. That is, if you worked under union contract as a painter, you can't work in a non-union paint shop (especially one they are trying to organize) and still get a pension.
2007-11-07 05:00:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to talk to a representative from that union, its hard to say cause it all depends on the circumstances on how and why you were fired. The alcoholism doesn't help matters if you ever have to sue for your pension, cause that could be a valid reason why they needed to get rid of you and cause of your abuse of alcohol, a judge could rule that there was a good reason for you to be fired.
2007-11-02 19:23:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋