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Retired pipefitters & plumbers owed 'millions' by union, says lawyer

Dozens of retired pipefitters and plumbers from Newfoundland and Labrador are suing their union for money they say they're owed.

Alton Benoit, who spent most of his working life travelling from his hometown of Kippens on Newfoundland's west coast to work as a welder in Alberta, retired in 2005.

In order to keep up with expenses, he decided to go back to work.

"A lot of us — the majority of us aren't getting high pensions. To renovate your home, [to have] extra money coming in, we go [to work]," Beniot said.

Benoit, who paid into a pension all his life, said in order to do the same work as a retiree he was required to pay into the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union's health benefits and pension fund.

He said approximately $6 from every hour he worked went to the fund. However, he said the money didn't improve his pension plan or benefits.

The union agreement meant he couldn't opt out.

Millions owed

"If you are drawing a pension, you are not allowed to be drawing and putting in at the same time," he said.

Benoit and about thirty other retirees want their money back and are suing the union.

According to the group's lawyer Michael Cabot, the retirees are owed millions.

Jim Myers, business manager with Local 740 Plumbers and Pipefitters of Newfoundland, will only say the union's pension plan is challenged for the next 25 years and all members have to pay to ensure everyone gets a proper pension.

"That don't cut it with me ... it's just a way out," Benoit said.

The class action lawsuit will be certified in the coming weeks. No dates have been set for the lawsuit to be heard in court.

While Benoit waits for court action, he said he won't be taking any job offers until it is resolved.