The LiUNA Pension Fund provides retirement income and related benefits to members of the Labourers’ International Union of North America working across several sectors in Canada.
Many construction workers and labourers participate in this plan through their union membership and employer contributions.
The fund is designed to provide long term financial security for workers after retirement.
It operates as a defined benefit pension plan, which means eligible members receive a monthly pension based on a formula set by the plan rather than the performance of individual investments. This structure gives members predictable income in retirement.
The LiUNA Pension Fund is also a multi employer pension plan. Multiple employers contribute to the same fund on behalf of workers who are covered by collective agreements with LiUNA local unions.
This system allows workers to move between employers without losing their pension service credits.
Understanding the benefits and eligibility rules helps union members plan their retirement and know what protections are available.
What is the LiUNA Pension Fund?
The LiUNA Pension Fund is a retirement plan created for union members working in industries such as construction, infrastructure, masonry, road building, and pipeline projects.
Employers who have signed a collective bargaining agreement with a LiUNA local union must contribute to the pension fund for every hour that eligible employees work. Those contributions are recorded and help build the member’s pension entitlement over time.
Because the plan is shared by many employers, workers can change jobs within the industry and continue earning pension service. This feature is important in construction where workers often move between projects and companies.
Members also receive annual pension statements that report their work hours, pension credits, and other important information about their retirement benefits.
Who is eligible to join the LiUNA Pension Fund?
Eligibility typically depends on union membership and employment with a participating employer.
Workers qualify when they are employed by a company that contributes to the pension fund under a collective bargaining agreement with a LiUNA local union. Contributions are made on behalf of the worker based on hours worked.
Once contributions begin, the worker starts building pension credits in the plan. In some cases, members become eligible for certain benefits after reaching minimum service or hour requirements.
For example, pension eligibility may occur once an employer has submitted a required number of work hours to the pension fund on the member’s behalf. One common benchmark is when at least 1,200 hours are reported to the fund for the member.
Eligibility rules can vary slightly depending on the local union and pension plan structure.
What retirement benefits does the LiUNA Pension Fund provide?
The pension fund provides several retirement related benefits for eligible members.
The most important benefit is a lifetime monthly pension after retirement. The amount depends on factors such as total pension credits and years of participation in the fund.
Because it is a defined benefit plan, the payment formula is established by the plan and does not depend directly on investment performance.
Common benefit types include:
- Regular retirement pension paid monthly for life
- Early retirement benefits for members who retire before the standard retirement age
- Disability pensions for members unable to continue working
- Survivor benefits for spouses or dependents
These benefits help provide financial security for workers and their families.
Can LiUNA members retire early?
Many LiUNA pension plans allow early retirement depending on age and service requirements.
For example, some plans allow retirement starting around age 55 if a member has accumulated enough service and pension credits. Retirees in certain plans must also be in good standing with their local union for a specified period before retirement.
Early retirement benefits may be reduced compared with benefits taken at a later retirement age because the payments will be made over a longer period.
Members who plan to retire early are encouraged to review their pension statements and contact the pension fund for detailed estimates.
What survivor benefits are available to spouses?
The LiUNA Pension Fund includes protection for spouses and families.
If a member dies after retirement, the spouse is typically entitled to a portion of the pension payments. In many cases, pension legislation requires that spouses receive at least 60 percent of the member’s pension unless a waiver is signed.
Some plans also offer additional options, such as:
- 50 percent joint and survivor pension
- 75 percent joint and survivor pension
- 100 percent joint and survivor pension
These options allow members to choose how much income will continue to their spouse after death.
The selection is usually made during the retirement application process.
How do members apply for a LiUNA pension?
Members can apply for their pension through the official pension fund system once they meet eligibility requirements.
Applications are commonly submitted through the online member portal called AccessLPF. Members can log in and complete the pension application electronically.
The application can also be completed by contacting the pension fund office or visiting in person to receive assistance from a pension benefits analyst.
Members should apply several months before their planned retirement date to allow time for processing.
How can LiUNA members track their pension benefits?
LiUNA members can monitor their pension progress through official reports and online services.
Each year the pension fund provides members with an annual benefit statement that summarizes their contributions, work hours, and accumulated pension credits.
Members can also log into the AccessLPF portal to:
- Review their contribution history
- Check pension credit balances
- Update personal information
- Submit pension applications