Retirement,
Protection and Peace of Mind
By: Brian
Priest, 8-year Frontier Airlines mechanic and member of Teamsters Local
961,
At Frontier Airlines, we are lucky to be a part of the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. It’s nice for us to know that, as Teamsters, we have a great pension plan as our “ace-in-the hole.” A 401(k) is a good way to save for retirement, but the defined benefit plan is far superior. These company sponsored 401(k)'s have been legally raided in the past, potentially leaving you with less than you contributed, especially if you’re invested in the company’s stock option.
Also, if we’re injured on the job, the company will continue to contribute into our pension plan, even if we are unable to work, for up to 12 months of absence. Of course, you take the Teamsters fund with you no matter what happens at Frontier, which is nice.
This is just one great perk of becoming a Teamster member. Any time you can have a powerful organization negotiating for you, it gives you a certain level of comfort. Having the Teamsters here at Frontier has not only helped our retirement benefits, it also leveled the playing field for all members. In the past, discipline and/or "favors" were handed out at the company’s discretion. Not anymore. In addition, in this time of uncertainty for airlines due to astronomical fuel costs, I know that my pay will not be compromised by the company, like it could be if I didn’t have a strong Teamster contract.
In a nutshell, it’s been great having the Teamsters represent us at Frontier Airlines. It's nice to know that in difficult times for the industry, we as Frontier Airlines mechanics will have the most powerful labor union in the world to back us up and effectively represent our interests. That's why I cannot understand why anyone would choose any other union than the Teamsters.