Presidential candidates respond to the growing pension crisis

Six presidential candidates took the stage Saturday in Cedar Rapids for the Teamsters Presidential Forum.

A big theme for the forum was the protection of union pensions and strengthen collective bargaining.

While every candidate said they support labor unions, they all had different solutions for dealing with worker issues.

Former Vice President, Joe Biden, Sen. Corey Booker, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Tom Steyer and Sen. Bernie Sanders made their case to Teamsters from Iowa and other states about why they are the best candidate for the working people.

"Everyone should have dignity and security and retirement and security. Those people who were made a promise for pensions and now we're a nation that isn't in a bi partisan fashion rushing to make sure we meet that promise," Sen. Booker said. "I'm sorry, this is something I will fight for, go to the mat for and will be to you if I am the president of the United States."

Each candidate asked to take on the issue of the pension crisis threatening the retirement of thousands of Americans

"We open up to use a window at the treasury department, meaning that they can provide 1% loans to make sure these multiemployer pensions are able to sustain themselves-- so that they don't go bankrupt, so your able to maintain the pension," said Biden.

Sen. Klobuchar wants to secure the central states pension and plan for the future for new workers.

"We want to make sure as we do that by shoring up social security. I've been against all efforts to privatize it by lifting the cap on where the payroll taxes are taken out of, so we can keep it solvent," explained Sen. Klobuchar.

Businessman Tom Steyer showed his support for the Butch Lewis Act which boosts financially troubled multiemployer pensions.

Sen. Bernie Sanders says he plans on introducing legislation similar to the Butch Lewis Act.

"My secretary of treasury of which this whole thing lies, will never allow for a cut to a pension when that worker was promised to that pension, it will not happen," said Sen. Sanders.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg also promising the working class a retirement with security.

"I support the broader idea that our country has the responsibility that everyone can retire with security. Even for those who are not fortunate enough to be represented by a strong union and to have the benefits of some of those negotiated pension plans," said Buttigieg. "We have to begin to make sure that social security is there for all of us."