"Cash-Balance" Pensions Under Attack
Amid growing concern over so-called cash-balance pensions, which can reduce benefits 30% or more for millions of older workers, federal lawmakers held a hearing about requiring companies to disclose to employees when they switch to the plans. At least 325 major companies recently have adopted cash-balance plans. Congress is currently debating several bills that would regulate the controversial plans.

Trend Toward Temps Continues
The employment consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports that the number of "alternative" workers rose from 12.1 million to 12.5 million between 1995 and 1997 and continues to grow. Workers considered "alternative" include independent contractors, on-call workers, temporary employees from agencies and workers provided by contract firms. Companies attribute the trend to the demands posed by global expansion and high technology.

Nonprofit Execs Get Raises
A new survey has found that the top executives of the 246 biggest nonprofit organizations saw their compensation increase by 5.7% last year. The median salary was $207,990, while the median compensation increase was 2.9%. The groups surveyed included charities, hospitals, universities and community foundations.

Nebraska Questions Free Insurance
Nebraska's governor and other officials are investigating an intriguing benefits loophole: State employees married to other state employees have not had to pay for health insurance benefits since the early 1980s. Single workers and those married to non-state employees have paid their full share. Under state law, Nebraska is required to contribute 79% of the cost of health insurance for employees.