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Boston Archdiocese Defends Pension System

The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston is defending its pension system. That as a former diocese manager accuses it of trying to take advantage of nearly 10,000 workers.

David Smith, the former top financial official in the church, claims the Archdiocese is using coercion and fear to pressure retired janitors, teachers and other lay employees to take a lower retirement payout because the pension is underfunded.

"There are people in this room that need their pension money to eat to survive," Smith said. "They look at what's on the table and telling me they are afraid not to take it."

Smith wants the state to appoint an independent trustee to manage the fund. The Archdiocese says it has been fair and transparent with the pension problems and does not want the state to get involved.

This program aired on March 28, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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