As usual with IBIS meetings, the program has been developed to provide an orderly and thoroughly examination of the subject, with ample time for questions and discussion. The development and implementation of benefit programs for international employees is a continuing process, due to the constant changes that are taking place and the numerous unforeseen events that occur. Never before has there been such a wave of studies and publications calling for reform of the pension system. All of the studies raise questions about the retirement age, warning of dire consequences if people continue to retire early. These reports cannot be ignored.
Employers are ambivalent about older workers.
Employees also are ambivalent about retiring. The speakers in the opening plenary session of this year's IBIS Conference will explore this question from the point of view of how employers and employees are responding. Some companies are offering phased retirement and flexible retirement programs, whereby older employees are permitted to work on a part-time schedule. Ultimately, those who are directly affected will determine the success of any government program to delay retirement, to encourage the adoption of private pension coverage, or to make other cost-cutting changes of a voluntary nature. The theme of this year's IBIS Conference will be developed in a plenary session on the host country of this year's IBIS Conference, to be held Thursday afternoon.