Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

6 Months Ended

Mar. 25, 2017

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						Six Months Ended
	March 25,			March 26,			March 25,			March 26,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Interest cost	$	1,041		$	1,260		$	2,082		$	2,521
Expected return on plan assets		(537	)		(854	)		(1,075	)		(1,709	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		1,300			1,475			2,600			2,609
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,804		$	1,881		$	3,607		$	3,421

	Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 25,			March 26,			March 25,			March 26,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Interest cost	$	96		$	130		$	193		$	260
Amortization of prior service credits		—			(100	)		—			(200	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		(97	)		(74	)		(194	)		(149	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(1	)	$	(44	)	$	(1	)	$	(89	)

The Partnership expects to contribute approximately $9,527 to the defined benefit pension plan during fiscal 2017, of which $2,792 was contributed during the six months ended March 25, 2017. 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 $553 was contributed during the six months ended March 25, 2017.

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 March 25, 2017 and September 24, 2016, the Partnership’s estimated obligation to these MEPPs was $23,176 and $24,205, respectively.