(WASHINGTON) – The following is the official statement of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa in response to a proposed amendment to the Senate’s budget resolution bill set to be introduced today by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The language would protect the pensions of thousands of retirees of multiemployer pension plans.

“Sen. Sanders is trying to do the right thing for retired Americans who receive benefits from a multiemployer pension plan like thousands of Teamsters do. These people played by the rules and worked hard for a pension they thought would provide them financial security in their retirement years. However, that was jeopardized by provisions included in the Cromnibus Appropriations bill approved last year.

“Congress has a chance to remedy this situation by backing the Sanders Amendment. The measure would allow flexibility to honor a long-standing promise, particularly for fixed-income seniors that can least afford to have their financial security at risk, and to find other sources of revenue to shore up the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. I urge Congress to stand up for the nation’s retirees.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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