Former Hub Meat Packers workers fight pension cut

Former employees of the decommissionedHub Meat Packers in Moncton will see their pensions slashed by as much as 25 per cent.

Maple Leaf Foods took over the plant in 2000, but closed it down last fall.

People like Christine Gallant, who worked therefor decades, say they plan to fight the cuts.

"We can't accept that. We worked hard for our pensions," said Gallant, who is 64 years old six months away from receiving her pension.

"This is what we want to live on. We don't want it being taken away from us, every time they decide, 'Well, let's take another chunk.'"

Gallant's husband, Leonard, 66, was told his pension was safe after spending 35 years inthe plant.

But he has since learned his monthly payment has dropped by 10 per cent to $642, from $713.

He says they can't afford to lose any money; they need it to survive.

ButPaul Meinema, president of UnitedFood and Commercial Workers Canada, the union that represents the workers and isa trustee on the pension board, says thecuts had to happen.

"The markets continue to be volatile," said Meinema.

"We have an environment now of extremely low interest ratesand the fact that peopleare living longer."