Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Dec. 26, 2015

Defined Benefit Pension Plans And Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

13. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

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

	Pension Benefits
	Three Months Ended
	December 26,			December 27,
	2015			2014
Interest cost	$	1,260		$	1,282
Expected return on plan assets		(854	)		(1,228	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		1,134			1,130
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,540		$	1,184

	Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended
	December 26,			December 27,
	2015			2014
Interest cost	$	130		$	144
Amortization of prior service credits		(100	)		(122	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		(75	)		(49	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(45	)	$	(27	)

The Partnership expects to contribute approximately $700 to the defined benefit pension plan during fiscal 2016. The projected annual contribution requirements related to the Partnership’s postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plan for fiscal 2016 is $1,025, of which $153 has been contributed during the three months ended December 26, 2015.

The Partnership contributes to multi-employer pension plans (“MEPP”) 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 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, the Partnership’s estimated obligation to these MEPPs was $17,995 and $18,041, respectively.  Due to the uncertainty regarding future factors that could trigger withdrawal liability, the Partnership is unable to determine the timing of the payment of the future withdrawal liability or additional future withdrawal liability, if any.