[throwaway5752]

So, try to start out as a new person in that area of construction unless it's highly specialized (line work, specialized welding, specialized fabrication, large machine operation with specialized licensure or training...)

Generally speaking, the old pension plans are only for those grandfathered in, new pay scales are lower, and hours to get better service time and benefits are higher.

Also, watch what companies do in terms of carving off subsidiaries with more of their retirees for intentional bankruptcy (see Patriot Coal). Those benefits will be cut in chapter 11 and then offloaded to the PBGC to be paid by the public.