A Penchant for Pensioners

by Beverly Stears
Saint John Times Globe

While in some communities pensioners are regarded with envy and perhaps a little resentment, ILA Local 273 recognizes their valuable contribution to the labour movement and treats its pensioners with due respect.

"They are very important to us," says Fred Nice, president of ILA Local 273. "They came through the hard times and paved the road for us," he says. "Our pensioners are our foundation. They've passed on a lot of knowledge and expertise and remind us where we came from. It is because of them our union is as strong as it is today," he says.

Close to 500 retired longshoremen or their widows (who collect at least 60 per cent of their husband's plans until their deaths) are currently receiving a pension. Mr. Nice is pleased to report that sound investments have resulted in a pension increase of over $3,000 in the past three years.

"When our investments show a profit, it is not only the active members who benefit but our pensioners as well. We share the wealth," Mr. Nice says.

The union enjoys a close relationship with its pensioners. "It's a natural bond. They're like family," Mr. Nice says. "In fact, many of them are family," he says, explaining that longshoring is often a family affair, constituting several generations.

The union hosts an annual meeting for its pensioners, and includes them in all its social and recreational events, such as the annual picnic. In 1997, the pensioners and active members partnered to form the Saint John Longshoremen's Recreation Association, a non-profit group whose current goal is dedicated to building an office and recreation facility in the near future. At present the recreation association is still involved in fundraising for the building.

"The pensioner's involvement is encouraged and greatly appreciated", Mr. nice says, "They are our shining light," he says. "They've left us a proud legacy, which we are working hard to continue for those who come after us."