Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/1477982
12 A SECURE RETIREMENT CNA/NNU has won landmark improvements in retirement security for tens of thousands of RNs. More progress is needed — but, for the first time, RNs represented by CNA/NNU have the oppor- tunity to retire with dignity after a lifetime of caring for others. We continue to make improved pension coverage and retiree health benefits a major focus. RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS AT AGE 55 Nurses who have spent their lives safeguarding the health of their patients should have access to quality health care when they retire. CNA/NNU has won retiree health bene- fits at age 55 for thousands of nurses and will continue to work towards retiree health coverage for all RNs. GUARANTEED DEFINED-BENEFIT PLANS WON FOR CNA/NNU RNS Most CNA/NNU members are now covered by "defined-benefit" pension plans, the type of plans that guarantee certain benefits at retirement time. Defined-benefit plans protect nurses' pensions from the fluctuations of a volatile and speculative stock market. These plans safeguard retirement savings with far superior security — and benefits — than are available in typical 401(k)/403(b) plans. Kaiser nurses fought for, won, and defended a defined-benefit pension plan for the past 20 years. Unlike a 401(k), the payout is guaranteed in our retirement. No one should be worried about precarious living conditions after they retire. I'm proud to be part of a union that has fought for pension eligibility for all nurses, regardless of whether you're a new hire or have been working at Kaiser for 40 years. As a result, I'll be able to spend time with my family and even continue to be active in CNA/NNU." — Marilu Ramirez, RN (Retired) Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center, Calif. " Why RNs Vote for CNA/NNU »