Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

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

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

14. 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 30,			March 31,			March 30,			March 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Interest cost	$	985		$	944		$	1,971		$	1,888
Expected return on plan assets		(430	)		(473	)		(861	)		(947	)
Amortization of net loss		867			921			1,733			1,842
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,422		$	1,392		$	2,843		$	2,783

	Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 30,			March 31,			March 30,			March 31,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Interest cost	$	68		$	70		$	137		$	139
Amortization of prior service credits		(125	)		(124	)		(249	)		(248	)
Amortization of net (gain)		(190	)		(164	)		(380	)		(328	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(247	)	$	(218	)	$	(492	)	$	(437	)

The Partnership expects to contribute approximately $5,350 to the defined benefit pension plan during fiscal 2019, of which $3,320 was contributed during the six months ended March 30, 2019.  The projected annual contribution requirements related to the Partnership’s postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plan for fiscal 2019 is $1,129, of which $496 was contributed during the six months ended March 30, 2019.  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 March 30, 2019 and September 29, 2018, the Partnership’s estimated obligation to these MEPPs was $21,978 and $22,509, respectively, as a result of its voluntary full withdrawal from certain MEPPs.