Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2023

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

15.Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs:

	Pension Benefits
	Three Months Ended
	December 30,			December 24,
	2023			2022
Interest cost	$	805		$	827
Expected return on plan assets		(315	)		(339	)
Amortization of net loss		425			482
Net periodic benefit cost	$	915		$	970

	Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended
	December 30,			December 24,
	2023			2022
Interest cost	$	36		$	41
Amortization of prior service credits		(65	)		(124	)
Amortization of net (gain)		(191	)		(194	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(220	)	$	(277	)

The Partnership expects to contribute approximately $4,000 to the defined benefit pension plan during fiscal 2024. The projected annual contribution requirements related to the Partnership’s postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plan for fiscal 2024 is $422, of which $75 was contributed during the three months ended December 30, 2023. The components of net periodic benefit cost are included in the line item “Other, net” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Partnership contributes to multi-employer pension plans (“MEPPs”) in accordance with various collective bargaining agreements covering union employees. As one of the many participating employers in these MEPPs, the Partnership is responsible with the other participating employers for any plan underfunding. As of December 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, the Partnership’s estimated obligation to these MEPPs was $21,078 and $21,398, respectively, as a result of its voluntary full withdrawal from certain MEPPs.