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Poland: A Wave of Protestation against Pension Reform (August 30, 2008)
(Article in French) |
On August 29, 2008, several thousands of people calmly assembled in Warsaw to demonstrate against pension reform. The participants who were gathered by Solidarity, the National Trade Union, demanded that the current pension system be upheld. Under the current system, certain categories of professionals may retire five years before the legal age: 55 for women, 60 for men. Over a million early retirements would be suppressed by the reform, which adds to disenchantment of pensioners caused by the decrease in retirement wages since the system was partly privatized in 1999.
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Japan: Pension Funding Deadline (September 2, 2008) |
Promises of higher funding for national pensions are under threat in Japan . In 2004, the government promised to use additional tax income to cover half of the basic portion of the national pension by 2009. With the realization that an increase in consumption tax will be needed to raise the necessary taxes, the current government is weighing the unpopularity of such a step against their political survival. The result is rumors of a delay in fulfilling the 2004 promises.
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US:
Nursing Homes Use Katrina Lessons for Latest Storm (August 29, 2008)
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Nursing homes and care facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi have prepared for the onset of Hurricane Gustav. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina has left residents and authorities concerned with evacuation plans for seniors throughout the region. Many nursing home residents have been relocated to the North or have otherwise moved home with their families. However, not all residents agree that these precautions are necessary; many argue that abrupt transportation may endanger the lives of seniors and blame the social and political pressure brought upon by Hurricane Katrina as the cause for unnecessary transportation.
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US:
Overriding (President George) Bush Veto to Save Original Medicare
(August 23, 2008) |
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United Arab Emirates: Pensions Play Key Role In Building Strong Economy (August 27, 2008)
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Medicare's reform bill is intended to save the nation's health care system. After a dramatic battle, the President's veto was over-ruled by Congress, saving and transforming the traditional Medicare health care system. The bill not only stops a substantial cut in doctor's fees but also offers low-income beneficiaries adequate funding for individual health care programs. With Congress taking the first step to amend the nation's health care, Medicare may be able to offer more to both seniors and their doctors.
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Richard Dean analyzes why the Middle East lacks secure and effective pension plans compared to some other regions of the world. The author explains that in Middle Eastern countries new laws and economic planning are required in order to maintain people’s pensions and a healthy economy. Dean concludes by assessing the prospects for change.
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Ecuador: 1,649 Teachers Must Decide Whether to Retire (August 12, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
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The Ministry of Education is offering 1,649 teachers of the 3,202 registered with the State the opportunity to begin the retirement process voluntarily. Officials still have not given any information about pre-retirement, including details about pensions.
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