Co-operative Persuasion/Negotiation Results
Contributed by Robert P. West, member of Retiree Issues Task Force. June 18, 2004
The following is a rough listing of changes to the retiree benefits, all essentially achieved through the combined co-operative efforts of Retirees – General and Safety, active employee representatives, City Management representatives and the City Council.
Retirees received first Cost of Living Adjustment, up to 1 ˝%, in 1971. This was later (1986 and about 1992) increased to up to 2%.
Authority for the 50% Continuance to Surviving Spouse was given in 1973.
Most General and Safety Retirees received the first “split of earnings” Annual Supplemental Benefit in 1980. (Must have had 10 years continuous service.) This benefit was modified in 1985 to a “dollars per year of service formula, $30 for most and $45 for a small group of General Members. In 1998 the benefit was increased to $75/year for pre-1972 retirees and $60/year for 1972-Oct. 6, 1980 retirees.
General, Social Security participating Safety (Lifeguards) and Legislative Members received City Sponsored Health Insurance in 1982. Other Safety Members received this benefit in 1985.
The Retiree Death Benefit was increased from $400 to $2000 in about 1992. The first authorization was given in 1966.
The allotment for Special Safety (fluctuators) Survivors was increased from $75/month to $150 and then later to $350/month. The specific dates were not researched.
Those Retirees who retired before October 1980 were granted up to $600/year for Health Insurance in about 1998 and was later increased to $1200/year.
The City Charter was changed in1996 enabling retirees to vote on certain changes in benefits.
The Supplemental COLA benefit was established in 1997, improving the pensions of many of those who retired before July 1, 1982, and their survivors.
The willingness to work together and the availability funds, mostly CERS earnings, made all this possible.
Let us keep the spirit of co-operation. Funds very likely will be limited for improvements in the near future. Working together has paid off!!
Accuracy of the above is not guaranteed, and is based on limited research of the Municipal Code and the author’s experience. Other changes did occur. The opinions expressed are those of the author and may or may not be those of CSDREA or RITF.