No Pensions for Federal Workers

Mr. Clint Hopson in his letter to the editor (“Politicians Steal Hopes for Pensions,” Aug. 18) commenting on the column, “Retiring Dishwasher Cleaning Up to Tune of $100,000” (Aug. 4) states that “federal employees get unrestricted pension benefits. . . . “

Federal employees as a part of their employment agreement participate in an annuity program. They contribute to their annuity by payroll deductions, and the government pays the balance.

A retired federal employee is correctly referred to as an annuitant, not a pensioner. Such are not unrestricted, but are provided for and controlled by law.

JOHN WILL

San Clemente