Balloting begins today in the hotly contested campaign - which has included pension issues - for general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Incumbent Ron Carey promises improved pension and health care benefits; increased attention to corporate governance activities; a national pension oversight committee; a more democratic selection process for trustees; increased accountability of pension trustees members; and stepped-up anti-corruption measures at retirement and welfare plans.
Challenger James P. Hoffa promises he will secure a ``25-and-out'' early retirement benefit funding formula in major upcoming labor negotiations, including United Parcel Service of America Inc. in 1997 and the National Master Freight Agreement in 1998. The formula gives Teamsters with 25 years of service a monthly benefit of $2,500 at any age and an additional $100 per month for each year of service thereafter.
