Discusses factors that have helped to shape pension system policy goals and strategies of reform in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, and Ukraine. The factors are political support, capital formation of public and private savings, high tax rates, and social assistance. (JOW)

Economic well-being after retirement depends on an individual's portfolio which includes income from Social Security, pensions, transfers from public or private sources, and accumulated wealth. Any event which interrupts the savings process can have an adverse effect on an individual's economic status after retirement. Dissolution of marriage,…

Supports seniority as a just principle for governing personnel decisions, under fair hiring and valid competence assessment. Argues that seniority reduces likelihood that senior citizens will be second-class citizens in workplace, that seniority rights protect older workers against age discrimination, and that seniority rights protect and increase…

The drop in the stock markets around the world focuses attention on the role of equities in retirement plans. Steps that faculty members--and specifically those in TIAA-CREF--should consider are presented. (MLW)

Some of the major steps taken in selected market economies of Western Europe, North America, and Asia to strengthen their pension systems are presented. Countries that are examined include Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. (CT)

Pension plan officials may invest on the basis of perceived social benefits provided they have examined a broad range of investments and have found selections having those socially desirable features among a broad class of otherwise suitable and equally desirable investment opportunities meeting the economic objectives of the plan. (Author/IRT)

Labor-related issues to be considered by the Supreme Court include veterans' rights to reemployment, union organizing practices, pension entitlements, and the taxability of back pay recovered in damage suits. (JOW)

Examines the advantages and disadvantages of partial retirement--the transitional period between full-time employment and complete retirement--including easing the transition, labor market effects, and financial implications for social security systems and employers. Reviews partial retirement policies in eight countries and concludes that there…

Preretirement planning is examined from several different points of view: a representative from the American Association of Retired Persons, an employee services supervisor with a utility company, a manager of employee training, a vice-president of a bank, and a personal planning strategist. (CT)

Important considerations for institutions wanting to establish supplementary early retirement benefits to encourage the practice are outlined. Regulations concerning pension plans, tax-sheltered annuities, and deferred compensation are reviewed. Individually negotiated early retirement supplements are not recommended. (MSE)

The author argues that the nation cannot afford its habit of promoting early retirement. He calls for public policy and employer incentives to encourage longer work lives. (CH)

An officer of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund responds to an article criticizing the funds' pension policy issues and performance. (MSE)

Argues that pension systems have indentured educators by trapping them in jobs they do not want because of vesting requirements and that teachers' unions support these systems for selfish interests. The author offers a pension reform system ("defined-contribution") as a solution. (GR)

The chief executive officer of the Teachers' Insurance and Annuities Fund-College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) discusses the current widespread concern over retirement issues in general and the ending of mandatory retirement ages for college faculty. Changes in TIAA-CREF policies and practices affecting range and coverage of retirement…

School business officials should attend workshops and seminars to help them plan for retirement. When approaching retirement, SBOs should invest for low-risk growth, determine retirement goals, match insurance with needs, and decide when to stop full-time work. Retirees should invest for growth and income, withdraw assets at the right time, and…