Retirees Insurance

As you are all aware, Retirees are paying part of the cost of their insurance for the first time. This is based on contract language. What you might not know is that the increase was to be paid starting in August. If you note in the letter dated August 15th but not received until late August or early September, it stated the payment was due by the 23rd of the month. Logically it was assumed this was September the 23rd. We have now been told by the Administration it was August 23rd. President Muir is now trying to find an equitable solution to this Administrative goof.

Many of you have called concerning the language in the contract that deals with how long we have to pay the increase. The following is the section of the contract that address this. Article X11- section 2-paragraph 2

THE KEY SENTENCE IS ‘Subsequent to the first {1st} year, any annual increase in the premium cost above nine {9] percent shall be paid by the retiree for that year only”

Based on this language the AFT is filing a grievance on behalf of the retirees. Barry Macy our Indianapolis attorney will be presenting the case for the AFT. This arbitration may be lengthy and no one can predict the outcome.

Rick and the AFT is to be commended for representing the AFT Retirees and defending the contract with vigor.