Retired carpenters' insurance costs soar - By C.M. Mortimer, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Brooks said the ranks of union carpenters, like most trade unions, have been declining over the years. He said there are about 25,000 union carpenters in Pennsylvania, compared to 27,000 five years ago.
The Carpenters Medical Plan is funded by active carpenters, who contribute a portion of their wage package into the fund.
"When a guy is 55, he's competing in a young man's game. Our trade is unforgiving. If a guy's knee or back goes bad, the contract says don't come back tomorrow," said Brooks.