Hank, the way the employer represented the $147k figure in their press release, it insinuated that it was in addition too the other benefits because our pension and medical were listed as well. They do this every negotiation. They send out a press release about our average compensation and the tv and print media puts it out there, no questions asked. Whats the downside for them if they embellish the #'s. There is none. Their motive is to affect public opinion and clearly it works.

It is true our medical coverage is great and it is a so called cadillac plan. There are additional charges for out of network providers and dental is covered at 70 or 80%. AsIn 2018 you are correct, those plans will be taxed, if Obamacare is still in effect. The union and the PMA have a tentative agreement on medical, but I won't know what that entails until we have a tentative agreement on everything.

I'm not sure of the cost of the pension plan, but given the creativity with which pension plans can be raided by employers, I'm not sure it'll be there in 20 years when I'm ready to retire.

Out of time I'll try to follow up later.