Retirees Rally During Tough Times
Local 848’s retirees set a good example for younger unionists. They
initiated the idea of holding a “Rally for Retiree Benefits,” last January. The
event is now beginning to take shape for 9:30 AM on June 29 at the
Electrician’s union hall, 7940 Northaven in Dallas. All unionists are encouraged to attend.
At the UAW Region 5 Seminar at UAW 276’s hall on April 20, it
was apparent that retirees face a large number of problems. Companies are using
bankruptcy laws, cooperative judges, and slippery government officials to
renege on their promises of pensions and health care to retirees. Even union
members, most notably in the Steelworkers union, have seen their benefits
slashed. The new prescription drug plan, scheduled by the Bush Administration
to take effect safely after the 2004 elections, will be very little help to retired
UAW members. The Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), which is already
experiencing serious financial difficulties, was dealt a serious blow in
mid-April when Congress voted to let employers pay even less into the fund. The
PBGC is supposed to “guarantee” retirees’ contractual pensions, but they do not
pay the full amount! Some experts already predict that the fund may face
bankruptcy. Medicare and Social Security are both in danger of being “reformed”
in the same sense that other American social services are being “reformed” out
of existence.
And yet, UAW retirees continue to have a good time at monthly
luncheons. Local 848’s second-Thursday at 11 AM meetings continue to draw a
jolly crowd. Members talk over the issues facing them and keep a positive
attitude about doing all they can. A number of retirees have participated in a
networking program for the last few elections. In it, the most active
volunteers take a list of other retirees who live near them. They call their
neighbors to make sure they know about upcoming elections and which candidates
have been endorsed by unions. Retirees are glad to receive the calls, and they
generally vote with the union in much higher percentages than the general
population does.
Not all of our volunteers are retirees, and not all of them are
from Local 848. More volunteers are needed during this important election year.
Hit “feedback” at the top of this page to volunteer.
All UAW retirees are automatically members of the Alliance for
Retired Americans. For more information on this important national
organization, click http://www.retiredamericans.org.
Ruth Hise, Twyla Duty, and
Ed Reach are among our most active retirees. Dave Minnis is UAW Region 5
Retiree leader. All are pictured at the Region 5 Seminar April 20, 2004