The Retirees' Newsletter

The Retirees's Association ( Faculty, Librarian, Administrator), University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada

Vol IX, No. 2, April 1999

There was a long drawn discussion on the options,the Retirees' Association had in raising this matter with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB). Initially, in his comments, Cunningham was cautious in going to the OLRB, given the costs and the time involved. He preferred to concentrate at the local level, by getting better representations on the Faculty Association Committees. Therefore, he stated that the Group Grievance efforts were at stand still.

But the mood of the members present was to contact the OLRB and write to them about our concerns.

A reference was made to the recently published article in the Globe and Mail, February 24, 1999, regarding the Ontario Municipal Retirees Association and the case of Police Association fighting their pension surplus issue. This encouraged some members present to adopt the same route of legal action, in our case.

In response to a question regarding Revenue Canada's restrictions on disbursement of pension surplus, it was pointed out that perhaps retirees should focus on full health benefits and find other ways of entitlement to the surplus, such as cash bonuses.

Another concern that surfaced had to do with the advice of the consultants -Mercer & Co and Mr. Nudleman that both the University and the Faculty Association relied upon., using the figures generated for the University, instead of the Faculty Association getting an independent review from another actuarial company.

Some members were concerned that if the retirees' association followed a militant action , then any goodwill that exists between the Faculty Association and the Retirees Association would be detrimental. Others present argued, not to be too sensitive, since no such goodwill exists now between these two groups.

10. Representation on Faculty Association Committees

Cunningham reported on the formation of the D7 Committee which never met for a long time, hence previous minutes / reports were unavailable. Membership of this committee is listed on page 3. He and Alan Metcalfe are compiling a list of themes and suggestions for the committee. Retirees' Association members were invited to provide their input.

With respect to representation on Faculty Association committees, he said that the Retirees' Association is seeking voting privileges on the Contract Committee and Executive Committee, but not on the Council.

Finally, some retirees to serve as resource pool during negotiations, with respect to pension and benefits issues. Few members urged, that we should also seek voting rights on the Council. It was noted that the Faculty Association is looking for precedence from other universities for such representation.

Two members suggested contacting the Retired Teachers of Ontario Association and the National Group of Retired Faculty and Librarians.

11. Amendments to Constitution - Notice of Motion

A copy of the current constitution, proposed amendments and summary of changes were circulated as notice of motion, for consideration at the Fall General Meeting. It was pointed out that these are basically house keeping items, that will require us to consider major amendments depending upon how the Faculty Association deals with the Retirees' Association representation on various committees.

12. Membership Fee Increase - Notice of Motion

It was observed that the cost of operation of various activities of the Association is placing an increasing demand on our financial resources. In particular, the five issues of newsletters published in a year consume majors costs in printing, postage and supplies. Further, the association is active on many fronts. Sometimes the costs involved are bourne by office bearers in some instances. The current dues of $ 10 per year is very low for our level of activity. Hence, after considerable thought, the executive recommends that the membership be raised to $ 20 per year. This serves as notice of motion for the Fall General Meeting.

13. Reports of Social Committee/Bursary Committee

John La Gaipa Chair of the Social Committee reported about the successful Annual Dinner on March 13 at St. Clair College. He stated that he plans to organize another one next year. He reminded membership about the Annual Picnic in August and invited suggestions if this picnic should be held in a park of at some ones residence.

He suggested that members should see the UNICOM Video - Long Term Care that will be aired on CBC Channel 9 - April 24, 11 am. Cormac Smith did not have any further comment on Bursary fund except to confirm that two bursaries were awarded last Fall .

14. Other Business - None

15. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m.

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