Your Pension Benefits

As we previously notified you, the San Francisco Plan Unit merged into the Western UNITE HERE and Employers Pension Fund on January 1, 2024.  We also previously informed you that your earned benefits did not change because of the merger.  You do not need to do anything for the merger, but if you have any questions about your pension, please send a message to the Fund Office through the Contact Us tab of the website www.westernpensionfund.org or contact the Fund Office at the address or number below.  Note that the website and contact information for the San Francisco Plan Unit of the Western UNITE HERE and Employers Pension Fund remain the same.

1182 Market Street, Suite 320

San Francisco, CA 94102 

Phone:  (844) 492-9157

 About your Pension Benefits

On January 1, 2024, the San Francisco Culinary, Bartenders & Service Employees Pension Trust Fund, along with four other west coast UNITE HERE pension funds (Southern Nevada, San Diego, Sacramento and Seattle, merged into the Western UNITE HERE and Employers Pension Fund (the “Western Pension Fund”).  The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees comprised of both union and employer representatives. Any benefits participants earned in any of the merging plans before the merger did not change. Also, all service in the areas covered by the merging plans will apply towards the vesting rules for entitlement to a benefit under the Western Pension Fund. 

The Western Pension Fund is better positioned to weather economic downturns and financial crises because the Fund covers a broader, more geographically diverse contribution base of employees in the gaming, hospitality, restaurant, and food-service industries. The merger also has resulted in administrative efficiencies and improved investment opportunities.

You should file a Pension Application well in advance of the date you expect to receive your benefit. You may request an Application from the Administrative Office, as well as seek assistance in the application process. Early filing will help you to avoid a delay in the processing of your application and the payment of benefits. 

For more information regarding your Pension benefits, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and Documents page. As always, you can also contact the Benefit Office at (844) 492-9157 if you have any additional questions.