Provisions of employer-financed retirement plans have been changed to reflect statutory requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and other laws. The author discusses the vesting provisions of two types of plans--defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans. Future revisions, due to the 1986 Tax Reform Act, are…

In this paper the authors examine how the structures of earnings, Social Security, and pension benefits affect retirement behavior. They use an intertemporal model of labor supply, paying special attention to the institutional features of private pensions and Social Security benefits. (Author/SSH)

This paper examines the pattern of incentives for work versus retirement in five state teacher pension systems. We do this by examining the annual accrual of pension wealth from an additional year of work over a teacher's career. Accrual of wealth is highly nonlinear and heavily loaded at arbitrary years that would normally be considered…

Over three quarters of the participants in both construction and nonconstruction industries were covered by self-insured funds, although the multiemployer pension plans in the construction industry differ in almost all important respects from such plans initiated by unions in other industries. (Author)

The management of the cost of post-retirement health benefits (PRHBs) for retirees is a major concern to American corporations because of a declining commitment to the Medicare program by the federal government, new proposed accounting rules that will change the financial treatment of PRHBs, and a growing retiree population. This study was…

The American Council on Education's 2-year process of investigation, study, and selection that resulted in the council's movement from TIAA/CREF as its only available retirement plan, to a total of 15 retirement options offered by two insured annuity companies and two mutual fund companies is described. (MLW)

As inflation becomes more severe, additional employers will be considering granting postretirement benefit increases. The decision-making model described here offers a conceptual frame of reference for determining whether an employer needs to grant such an increase, as well as the most appropriate method for implementing it. (CT)

Despite the attractiveness of pension portability for educators, there are substantial equity and philosophical barriers to the practice. Portability might help in urban or sparsely populated districts trying to attract teachers or in cases involving spouses' career moves across state lines. Some suggestions for improving portability are provided.…

The study investigates the adequacy of pension plans and severance pay for defense workers in the event of defense cutbacks. Pension plans were examined on the basis of a sample of firms in the defense and nondefense sectors, matched by size and industry. The study finds that benefit provisions of defense industry plans are similar to those in…

Reports the results of testing a microeconomic model of the effects of fringe benefits on labor mobility. Results indicate that the probability of worker mobility drops 20 percent when a pension promise is made to male workers. Females' response is somewhat less. Other fringes affect turnover less strongly. (CT)

Briefly outlines the reasons some school districts are withdrawing from the social security system. Also notes some advantages of the social security system over alternative plans. (IRT)

The social security commissioner argues that the system's varied protection--against loss of earnings due to death, disability, and even inflation--makes it a better deal than most private plans. (Author/IRT)

Uses one company's experience with its pension plan as an example of good communication with employees concerning the details and the value of benefit plans. (IRT)

Summarizes current trends in public employee pension systems, discussing the present and potential problems facing such systems and suggesting ways to keep public pension plans financially solvent. Available from: Salary and Merit, Suite 908, 1835 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; single copy $2.50. (JG)

Early retirement programs do not necessarily result in the greatest savings. To ensure a successful program, employers must consider all factors that influence an employee's decision to participate. (JOW)