The Retirees' Newsletter

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

Vol X , No. 4, October 2000

Letters to the Editor

June 16, 2000

Norman Shklov
St. Patrick's Dr.,
Windsor, ON, N9E 3G5

Dear Norm:

I write to thank you for your many contributions to the University of Windsor Retirees' Association.

Most of all, I honor your energy and initiative in moving to establish the Association itself a decade ago. You saw that there was a need for a retirees' organization, and you chose to build one. Because of your original vision and commitment, we--your successors--are able to build upon a foundation that you and Bill Phillips and Ralph Cowan first set up.

I also appreciate your continued presence and assistance over the last two years as a member of the Executive. Our Committee profited from your wise commentary and suggestions.

On behalf of the Retirees' Association, I express our gratitude and our best wishes for your and Ann's health and happiness.

With appreciation,
Stan Cunningham,
President

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Stan Cunningham, President, Retirees Association
University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario - July 18, 2000

Dear Stan,

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of June 16^th.

The letter contained many kind words and many words of praise.

I thank you very much for your expression of thanks for my efforts in helping to found the Retirees' Association

Your remarks were most kind and I appreciate them greatly.

Sincerely,
Norm Shklov

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To Fellow Retiree Members From Bill Phillips.

I would like to offer a brief opinion on two of the core issues in our Pensions and Benefits.

I retired in 1987, and my views may differ perhaps, from the views of more recent retirees. Persons currently on the active faculty could have different views still.

I have looked at the Plans of some other Universities, in particular the Queen's plan, and have compared them with our Plan here at Windsor; and my opinion, for what it's worth, is as follows.

1) First, I am convinced that the basic "hybrid" structure of our Plan is a sound one. I have listened to all the arguments which seek to show that the Queen's Plan has significant advantages over ours (with particular reference to the minimum guarantee and the "parity" issue). Yet it is my strong conviction that, when full account is taken of the trade-offs which these putative advantages at Queen's carry with them, Windsor's Plan can still stand on its own very creditably. I feel that any attempt to tinker with its basic structure could be a big mistake.

2) Secondly, I believe that the most promising potential for

improvement in our Retirement Plan lies in the EXTENDED HEALTH CARE area. I have the impression that other Universities (including Queen's, York, McMaster and Guelph) pay the full amount of these premiums, thereby extending over into retirement a close approximation of the health coverage that they have provided during the faculty member's working life. Some similar provision for our retirees is very much over-due.

These two issues, in my view, are the really CORE issues. Such, of course, is in no way to diminish the significance of other currently pressing matters, including future policy on disposition of pension surpluses.

With best regards,
Bill Phillips.

Editor's Note: Thank you Dr. Phillips for your comments.

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From Professor Harry Morrow August 18, 2000

I have received the mailing regarding the pension discussion. My first impression was one of dismay. Some seem to think, we can forward changes but forget we signed a pension contract when we retired. Improvements to the plan for pensioners is only going to be realized by negotiation and exploring various options. In general, I concur with the position of Stan and the Committee.

I was bothered that faculty and the university had a contribution holiday and we did not receive a comparable benefit.The provisions of health benefits is an excellent idea. This can be done without charging the fund and could take place quickly, if there was agreement. My older son has taken early retirement from the Government of Ontario and his health benefits continue at no cost to him. This can be a significant item.

The Committee are to be commended on their work and net-working with the other parties involved. I hope they keep their present approach. In the long-run, it will probably give positive results. Being committed to one approach is dangerous.

Greetings to you and the Executive Committee.

Sincerely,
Harold Morrow

Editor's Note: Thank you Professor Morrow for your kind words.

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