I'm on other side of this. While I understand the need to keep pension plans afloat, when my mother passed away in 2011 the value of her pension left to my brot

I'm on other side of this. While I understand the need to keep pension plans afloat, when my mother passed away in 2011 the value of her pension left to my brother and I was ~$60,000. This was split between the two of us. While no small sum, the mortgage was not paid off and I have been paying it since. I have no idea if HP took out an insurance policy on her, but if they did it was most certainly WAY MORE than $60,000. This shouldn't be a vehicle for profit in my opinion. Unfortunately, she only had an accidental death policy. So if her corporation had a general life insurance policy in the $400-500k range - as her heirs, we should be entitled to some of that money. Yes, we as consumers/employees have to take responsibility for our choices. So some might argue it was her fault she wasn't covered well. I would disagree. There are a lot of companies that aren't honest about this practice. So, if the company has you well covered, if they are a good company, shouldn't they extend you the same courtesy and offer to let you buy in to the plan? The point being, why are they only looking after their best interests? It's bullshit to say they are just keeping their pension plans afloat because of the payoff amounts. There is an ethical dilemma because a lot of companies hide what they are doing. That and the certain return when the employee dies. It should not be an investment vehicle, period. It is profiting from death. Of course you can have your own life insurance. Just because someone is my employer, shouldn't give them any right to take out insurance on me.