Some companies have even opened up these programs to retired workers and their families.
The average monthly benefit for retired workers will rise by $6, to $488.
The average Social Security benefit for retired workers is $698 a month.
These huge payments are in addition to the pensions the retired workers receive.
The telephone company is also concerned about its growing liability for the health care of current and future retired workers.
The average benefit for a retired worker will rise by $39, to $1,002 a month.
In addition, the railway has asked retired workers to report for duty to take the place of those on strike.
In 1980 the population was estimated at 283,229, including 15,868 retired workers.
In addition, the factory must pay pensions and provide housing for 4,100 retired workers.
The increase is worth $19 a month for the average retired worker, whose monthly benefit will rise to $653, from the current $634.
