UGRA Annual General Meeting

JUNE 18, 2003

Robert Liptrap
519.824-289?
pliptrap@sympatico.ca

The Annual General Meeting of the University of Guelph Retirees Association (UGRA) was held in the Town Hall of the new university residence on 18 June 2003. Approximately 60 members were in attendance. After approval of the Agenda and of the Minutes of the 2002 AGM, various reports were presented. Truman Phillips (Treasurer) was unable to attend, so Bob Liptrap gave the report. Membership fees and other donations amounted to $8,470.00 while disbursements for room rental, newsletter printing, mailings, web site design and sundry other costs comprised $3,813.37 leaving a net balance of $4,656.63. A similar budget was presented for next year. It was noted that several costs have increased and a new item, maintenance of UGRA's web site, will result in some increased disbursements. Trish Halley (Secretary) reported that 10 meetings were held during the past year. All meetings were well attended and “neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow stayed” the directors from their appointed duties.

Sheila Trainer McCutcheon summarised her president's report on a one-sheet handout. She noted that the dismantling of ACPB was of serious concern. The (now) Past-President pointed out the power of letter writing, expressing concern about the loss of retiree infrastructure supports, the attempt by the provincial government to make it easier for employers to dip into retiree pension surpluses and long-term health worries. 

Bob Logan, who has served on the Executive and has chaired the Pension Committee, was ill and unable to attend. Robin Ollerhead presented his report and praised Bob for his long and devoted service on behalf of all retirees. All attendees enthusiastically approved this sentiment. Robin advised that the Pension Committee comprised Bill Bohn. Mei-fei Elrick, David Hull and himself. The committee met eight times. The work of the Pensions Committee has been complicated by the loss of the Advisory Committee on Pensions and Benefits (ACPB) as no formal direct input to the Administration on pension concerns is now available. Issues still facing the Pension Committee include: 1) getting the additional 2% yearly inflation protection direct input to the administration on pension concerns is now, 2) the recurring implementation of pension holidays by the university, thereby limiting pension improvements, 3) the need to improve inflation protection for the 1984-1991 group of retirees, 4) the reduction of the 6% penalty to 3% for early retirement and 5) changes to the policy of basing pension income on the last 36 months of employment instead of the current 60 months. A lively discussion from the floor ensued and the legal limitations of a “direct benefits” pension plan was explained.

 Abolishing the ACPB has made it more difficult to get our pension viewpoint across to the administration in any formal way. David Hull explained the background to this situation and how the pension committee has attempted to get input from other campus groups on a replacement mechanism. The Committee favours a new, single and smaller form of ACPB. The reduced membership could have alternates in case of absence and would provide a learning situation for upcoming new members. Retirees have one voice on the Pension Committee of the Board of Governors but the opportunity to provide the carefully reasoned arguments as occurred with ACPB is lacking.

Jim Stevens briefly reviewed the long and continuing saga of the Public Service Supplement Sub-committee. In the fall of 2001, the University was given the draft of a suit seeking to redress what are considered to be shortcomings for the affected retirees. In December of 2001, both the University and the provincial government were given a list of questions pertaining to the committees concerns. The University finally responded, but the government has not yet done so. The Sub-Committee has decided to pursue two simple issues: (i) from now on the additional money that had been given to those retirees making up the difference between the university pension and the public service pension should be indexed against inflation and (ii) the pensions of those who retired before 1986 should be re-evaluated since the ad hoc method of calculating their pension was artificial and invariably ended up with a lower figure than calculations based on actual salaries. These issues have been accepted by the University as a basis for discussion. Jim Stevens and the incoming UGRA president, Larry Porter, are to meet shortly with the University lawyers. We shall try to keep you posted as to the outcome.

In the benefits item, Sheila Trainer-McCutcheon noted that Sun Life has taken over the insurance claims from Clarica. The change has not been particularly efficient and there is a concern over the release of medical information. Several groups on campus are taking legal advice in this matter. Bob Liptrap, Past-President of UGRA, provided the list of nominees for officers and directors of the upcoming year. Larry Porter assumes the position of President and Mark Waldren has agreed to serve as Vice-President. Kath Beaven will serve as both Secretary and Newsletter Editor. With the establishment of an UGRA web site to keep members as up to date as possible, a new position involving liaison with the web site designer/managers has been assumed by Bruce Koenig. Jim Shute goes into his second year as director. Mei-fei Elrick and Robin Ollerhead will continue to be both directors and to serve on the Pension Committee. Three new directors have joined the Executive: Harold Chapman, Wayne Marsh and Alan McInnis. David Hull will contribute again to the Pension Committee. No individual was found to assume the responsibility as treasurer but permission was granted for the executive to continue to seek such an individual.

Larry Porter concluded the meeting by making a few remarks as the new incoming President. He was expressed appreciation for all the work contributed by Sheila as President over the past year and of the long-term effort by Bob Logan on pension issues for all retirees. He touched on the concern of UGRA about the regularity of pension holidays taken by University Administration. Larry suggested that perhaps more amicable relations could occur if retirees were considered to be a resource and not a group of people at the bargaining table. He urged all retirees to become paying members of UGRA so that resources were available to tackle the numerous issues that touch on the everyday lives of retirees. The meeting adjourned at 11:00am.