Article 14: Plan Amendment Procedures >>

14.1 Changing, Enhancing, Reducing, or Eliminating Benefits

There is no vested right to receive Plan benefits. What this means is that the Board of Trustees may change, enhance, reduce or eliminate benefits at any time. The Board of Trustees has a fiduciary responsibility to prudently manage the Plan. In order to meet this responsibility, the Trustees periodically review the cost and benefits of the various Plans. As a result of this review, the Trustees may find it necessary to change, reduce or eliminate benefits.

The following examples provide information on situations, which may necessitate the Trustees reducing benefits. For example, a reduction in total hours worked results in reduced Employer contributions to the Plan, and alters the projected hours used to establish benefits. Another example occurs when Plan costs for a specific benefit increase more than projected, requiring a reduction in the benefit allowance.