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70 CINEMONTAGE / NOV-DEC 14 LABOR MAT TERS Russia and China to transition into terrorism, writes Windsor. "This is not just in Germany. It's in Russia — Lenin, and Stalin — and then Mao," said Fink. "This is the recruitment ground for fascism, and it's not just historical. It's what goes on today — in suicide bomber recruitment." DECLINE IN UNIONS AND PENSION PLANS Back in 1975, some 22.2 million workers in the United States belonged to a labor union, writes Don McNay in The Huffington Post. Almost 40 years later, in 2013, the number had dropped to 14.3 million — a 97-year low despite a rise in the total labor pool. According to Time magazine, if you only looked at private-sector employees and not government workers, union members account for only 6.6 percent of the workforce. The number of Americans in a union has dropped every year for decades. In 1979, close to 40 percent of private sector employees in the US had a defined benefit pension plan. Over 30 years later, in 2011, the number had dropped to nearly 15 percent and drops further each year. A defined benefit pension plan gives retirees a fixed benefit at retirement for a period of years or for the rest of their lives. The pension is based on a contractual formula, calculated by how much they made, how much was contributed on their behalf, and how many years they worked for a company. "Is there a correlation between the decline in unions and the decline CONTINUED ON PAGE 73 We're Here, For You Healthcare / Wellness / Aid & Services Senior Care / Residential Retirement 855-760-MPTF (6783) www.mptf.com For over 90 years, MPTF has been helping Hollywood take care of its own. Together, we ensure that the magic we create isn't just on screen. Find out more at MPTF.com New America Foundation, www.new america.org