Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Dec. 24, 2016

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

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

12. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

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

	Pension Benefits
	Three Months Ended
	December 24,			December 26,
	2016			2015
Interest cost	$	1,041		$	1,260
Expected return on plan assets		(537	)		(854	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		1,300			1,134
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,804		$	1,540

	Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended
	December 24,			December 26,
	2016			2015
Interest cost	$	96		$	130
Amortization of prior service credits		—			(100	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		(97	)		(75	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(1	)	$	(45	)

The Partnership expects to contribute approximately $10,704 to the defined benefit pension plan during fiscal 2017, of which $1,396 was contributed during the three months ended December 24, 2016. The projected annual contribution requirements related to the Partnership’s postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plan for fiscal 2017 is $922, of which $233 was contributed during the three months ended December 24, 2016.

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 24, 2016 and September 24, 2016, the Partnership’s estimated obligation to these MEPPs was $23,591 and $24,205, respectively.