|
Steven Baker of Minneapolis, MN is a US Air Force Veteran and a member of the International United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC), Millwright Local Union 548 for 18 years. On October 5, 2001 he was Injured in an industrial accident that damaged his dominant arm (right arm) from the elbow to the shoulder. After multiple surgeries and attempts to return to his job, on December 2, 2007 the Claim Appeals Committee of the Twin City Carpenters Pension Plan denied his appeal for a Total and Permanent Disability Benefit. The denial letter is signed by Richard J. Lemke, Administrator, representing Wilson-McShane Corporation.
The Union officials do not provide a forum for this to be discussed.
A Related Link, Definitely Worth Reading: (CLICK HERE)
From YouTube Member: stevenbakerpension
Pension Appeal
Steven SviggumMinnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Commissioner
443 Lafayette Road N.
St. Paul Minnesota 55155-4307
Dear Mr. Sviggum,
I want a divorce from my Union Local #548 and Wilson McShane Corporation.
Our relationship began 20 years ago, sparked by my love for mechanics: hydraulics, levers, switches, etc. I loved it all! The Union provided me access to sophisticated equipment and challenging opportunities. It was the perfect match. Collective bargaining afforded me a good wage and a predictable and affordable health and welfare plan so that I could raise my family with security. In return, I proudly wore the union symbol. During this happy marriage I helped install such prominent projects as the window washing system for the IDS towers, the Metro Dome and the rides at Camp Snoopy in the Mall of America.
While I was focused on my work, Union Local #548 and Wilson-McShane Corporation collected funds from me and my employers to invest in my pension fund.
On October 5, 2001 our relationship began to deteriorate. I was severely injured on the job at Kaplan’s Metals Recycling Center on University Avenue E in St. Paul. While in the hospital for my injuries (dominant right arm), the Union Local #548 and Wilson-McShane Corporation made no attempt to contact me, although they were notified of the accident. (This was the first indication that they were not concerned with my health or welfare.) If I wished to continue to be a millwright, even though I had no income, I learned I would have to continue to pay regular full union dues. Wilson-McShane, I was informed, had provisions for a disability pension, but I would have to be receiving SSDI benefits to qualify.
I attempted to return to work several times, but each time another surgery was necessary (7 surgeries to date). I had injured my left (non-dominant arm) in the military but figured I had “toughed through” that injury and I could do it again. Finally, the pain overcame my determination and five doctors concluded that I could not return to the millwright occupation.
I applied for SSDI without an attorney, and was awarded those modest benefits. I took this information to Wilson-McShane to collect the disability pension I had earned. The December 2, 2007 letter of denial came down on me more brutally than the machine that shattered my arm in 2001.
That is a breach of trust: letting me fall without a safety net when for 20 years I had been told that that was the basis of our relationship. Therefore, I would like to be granted a divorce from Union Local #548 and Wilson-McShane Corporation. I want the piece of the pie that I helped to bake. I want my money returned to me so I can support my family the way I supported them throughout my millwright life.
A man who has served in the military and was honorably discharged, and worked productively for 20 years in the State of Minnesota, who has two injured arms and is totally and permanently disabled according to the Veteran’s Administration and SSDI, should not have to live like a pauper and then beg for his own money from the “Brotherhood” and investment “Trustees”.
Please advise what I can do to resolve this injustice.
Sincerely,
Steven A. BakerBaker