Thousands of union workers from across the nation are fighting for their pensions in our nation's capitol this week.
And Wisconsin is a part of that fight.
The protesters are coming from 37 states in all, and are members of the Teamster's Union. Some are active workers, but many are retired.
They're facing retirement savings cuts of anywhere from 30%-70%. Union leaders say the cuts would also impact active workers.
Representatives of the Central States Pension Fund say, without the cuts, the organization will eventually go broke.
But organizers of the Green Bay Committee to Protect Pensions say there are other ways to save money without putting the brunt of the burden on union members' pensions.
After spending the past few weeks rallying in Madison and reaching out to state and U.S. lawmakers through petitions and letters, Committee leaders say they're ready to bring their message to Congress.
"We're all excited," says Teamster and Committee co-chair Terry Black, as the Capitol building stands lit behind him, "getting ready for the rally tomorrow. We hope that we get all the respect and justification that we need."
Teamsters throughout Wisconsin have already sent thousands of letters of concern to lawmakers.
Tomorrow, they'll be joined by some, including Wisconsin's Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin.
"Hopefully we'll be able to get some more information, some good information," says Black, "that we can hand on, and pass on to our fellow retirees.
The U.S. Treasury will have final say on whether Central States can slash pensions.
"Otherwise our pensions can get cut by July 1st," adds Black.
If the cuts are rejected, workers say they'll fight for more say in a new plan. A decision from the U.S. Treasury Department is expected by May 7th.
Demonstrators are planning to meet on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol building tomorrow morning.
6,000-7,000 people are expected at the rally.
