Actually, the closer a person to retirement would be more likely to benefit from a pension vs. an 401K. For example, 10 years under the pension to retirement would equal $6,229 per year ($51.91/month x 10 years of service x 12 months in a year). Assuming one lives 15 years after retirement with a 8% rate of return (discount rate), it would have net present value at retirement of $53,317.
In comparison, 3% matching on average income over 10 years (keep the math simple), would be $3,600 annually ($60,000 x 6%), and earning 8% returns would equal $52,152, which is pretty close to the NPV of the pension at retirement or nearly equal in value.
As the time horizon increases, then the magic of compounding interest kicks in.
Use the same numbers but with a 5 year time horizon instead and the pension NPV would be $26,663 vs. a 401K would have a value of only $21,120. However, the pension gives the additional advantage of not out living one's 401K if instead of living 15 years after retirement, but lives 35 years instead.