Strike - Last Offer - withdrawal liability?

[Guest tintree73]

We are coming toward the end of a strike situation (we hired permanent replacements, etc.). Now, we finally have an agreement - but the new agreement provides that we no longer have to contribute to the Union's multiemployer-DB plan (rather we are putting a 401(k) plan in place - sponsored by the employer/not the union - per the terms of the new C A).

Because the union agreed to this, do we have a withdrawal-type of situation? I'm a little confused because some of the striking employees have accrued benefits under the union's multiemployer DB plan - but we no longer have to contribute and no employee accrues any more benefits under the union's DB plan (per the new agreement).

Do we have to send a letter to the fund asking for our withdrawal liability or have we not withdrawn b/c of the accrued benefits that some of the strikers have under the union's pension fund? I'm just a bit confused on how this is all going to play out

[JanetM]

Yes you have withdrawal liability. Unless you fall under the expected industries. You had obligation to contribute and not you don't have obligation to contribute. This is complete withdrawal.