My father worked for Union Electric in St.
Louis, MO from 1948 to Oct. of 1976 when he
died of a heart attack. At that time, the
contract said that if the worker had not worked
30 years, dependents would not be entitled to
any benefits he had paid in (28 years worth).

The law has now changed - my mother is in
hard times financially and I'm hoping there is
some say she can recoup some of my father's
pension...

Kathy,
It sounds unlikely.

We would need to get Plan documents at the time of your father's death and review them. And we would have to, if necessary research the law in effect at that time to see if there is any recourse.

If you care to discuss in greater detail you can contact me at mevoco@mindspring.com. My website is http://www.mindspring.com/~mevoco.

Good luck.
Gary

You state "the contract". Does this mean there was a union contract? If so, and if there is still representation, then I suggest starting with the local union rep.