I just returned from the Retirees Conference and APWU National Convention in Orlando and several issues pertaining to retirees were presented to the convention delegates. During the Retirees Conference, the delegates voted to support several constitutional amendments that would increase the representation rights of retirees. Despite some strong advocacy by several of the retiree delegates, we were unable to secure approval of these amendments. An amendment to ensure that the 5 regional Retiree Delegates will be paid necessary expenses to attend the All Craft APWU Retirees Department Conference was passed.
The inability of the Retirees Department Director to convince the delegates to support our issues shows once again that we need a Director who can successfully advance our causes, not a Director who is hand-picked and appointed by the administration.
While the National Convention was mostly non-controversial there were two issues that I believe are worth reporting on. Action was taken by the delegates to make adjustments to the Officers Retirement Plan that will ensure the viability of the plan, The delegates also voted to eliminate the NBA position previously held by the Retirees Department Director prior to her recent appointment to this position. This action was taken after several speakers stated that the duties could by absorbed by the remaining NBA’s. The delegates agreed and the amendment passed.
I was proud to attend the Retirees Conference as a delegate from the State of Florida. I also attended the National Convention as a non-voting Retiree Delegate. I look forward to representing the Retirees of the APWU as the next Director, Retirees Department.
ELECT DESI NEUROHR
DIRECTOR RETIREES DEPARTMENT
First Name: Desi
Last Name: Neurohr
Email: retireesdirector@yahoo.com
Union/Local: Florida State Retirees Chapter
Office held if any: Former Secretary-Treasurer, Pittsburgh metro area local, Candidate Director, Retirees Department