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Retirees Move to 21st Century

APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS AGO,  the AFSCME Retiree Council appointed a nine-member committee of retiree leaders to examine the future of the union’s retiree organization. The Retirees’ Committee on the 21st Century was inspired by a similar AFSCME committee that was examining the operations of the entire union.

In addition to AFSCME Retiree Council Chair Jerry LaPoint, the Retirees’ Committee on the 21st Century includes chairperson Betty Flanagan (Philadelphia Chapter 47), Loneste Blackwell (Ohio Chapter 1184), George Masten (Washington Chapter 10), Eunice Parrish (Houston Chapter 1550), Charles Peritore (New York CSEA Chapter 1000), Phyllis Zamarripa (Colorado Chapter 76), Doris Clark (Illinois Chapter 31) and Stuart Leibowitz
(New York City Chapter 37).

BABY BOOM RETIREMENTS. Over the course of several meetings, the committee looked at a variety of issues in the context of the growing number of baby boomer retirements and the projected doubling of the aging population by 2030.

Their report was formally approved by the AFSCME Retiree Council at its annual meeting, August 5-6, in Chicago. It includes recommendations in a variety of subject areas: Organizing and Growth; Leadership and Organizational Development; Retiree Relationships with AFSCME Councils and Locals; International Union Capacity; Political Action and PEOPLE; and Retiree Member Dues.

A recommendation to raise the International per capita tax paid by retiree chapters and to increase the minimum dues for retiree members was a top priority, as the current International Union dues rate has been in place since 1994. Meanwhile, costs have increased considerably for travel, printing, staff and other operational necessities.

DUES INCREASE. Starting in January, chapters must charge dues of at least $15 a year (up from a $12 minimum), with the International’s share going from $2.40 per member per year to $3.60.

The committee also proposed amending the AFSCME International Constitution in order to give the Retiree Council Chair a seat at the table of the International Executive Board (IEB), with the right to address all issues that come before the IEB. This recommendation was approved at the May meeting of the IEB and was an IEB-sponsored constitutional amendment at the International Convention, where it won overwhelming approval.

SEAT AT THE TABLE. “This was a big step forward for the AFSCME Retirees,” said Retiree Council Chairman Jerry LaPoint (president, Wisconsin Chapter 7). A seat at the IEB table means we’ve been recognized for the many contributions we’ve made to this union — and the contributions we continue to make.”

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