Retiree News

Over 60 retirees nominated for 32 delegates positions in CTU House

By Al Korach

I just opened my Florida morning newspaper to discover three Chicago teachers hit the overtime jackpot. It was quite an item even down here where teacher salaries are comparatively low. Poor Arne Duncan said, “It’s unacceptable” while creating job after job of administrators in the $100,000 and over range. How and what a teacher did to receive $73,904 in overtime in addition to her $80,355 regular salary should be explained. I guess that all this extra cash is also pension creditable. I would suggest a look at the individuals supervising this teacher as well as a look into the work and quality performed for what amounted close to the teacher’s regular salary.

Hey there! Remember when you had a bad report card or possibly tried to alter some grades. Of course it wasn’t one of us retirees. These situations will come to an end in Broward County, Florida. Grades at certain schools will soon go on line. I’m still not sure how the rights of privacy will be maintained.

Illinois has seen its stock shares drop 31 percent this year. Who could have told me a couple of years ago that United Airline stock would drop to $1 a share as of December. If UAL goes belly up what do we do with our thousands of Frequent Flyer Miles? Even Burger King has sold off part of a very large franchise.

Shades of Enron and WorldCom? Those employees that have their retirement plans tied in with UAL stock are in trouble. A UAL mechanic with $150,000 in UAL stock in October 1997 saw it fall to $1500 after the government turned down the loan. What will happen to the employees?

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to remark on the events of December 6, 2002. This was the day the Chicago Board of Education decided to ERASE THE CASE. I would also thank all the active and retired teachers who have supported us over the years — morally and financially. A special thanks to the Curie teachers who were willing to put their jobs on the line. But as they say, “It’s not over until the fat lady sings.” Stay tuned to Substance for further developments.

I have told my readers in many of my articles to get involved with or at the least speak to your aged parents regarding future planning. In an article in Smart Money Magazine titled “Hey, Folks, We Gotta Talk,” Nkiru Asika Oluwasanmi informs us that a 2000 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation discovered that 30 percent of the children of aging parents have no clue where their folks keep their financial and legal documents. The other side of this is that we older retirees that have no parents should sit down with our children or attorneys and cover such issues before the need arises.

The December 12, 2002, CTU retiree luncheon was held at the Holiday Inn at the apparel center. The most important part of this holiday luncheon was the nomination of retiree delegates for the January 2003 elections. There were 65 nominations for what could be 32 positions. CTU Financial Secretary James Alexander did a fine and fair job running the process. All those who wished to nominate someone received a chance. There were some surprises regarding some people who have been past House retiree members not running again. I’m certain supportive organizations including Substance and PACT will soon list their endorsements. Oh yes! I hear my name was tossed into the ring.

On the business side I found it strange that the notice regarding the Retiree Luncheon not only did not contain what was to be served but did not inform the retirees that a nominating process was to be conducted after the meal. Directions, parking, location and costs were included but not what the real event was to be. This necessitated another letter from the CTU Rules and Election Committee to be sent out covering the same affair. It could have all been done with one stamp.

Congratulations to Jacquelyne Mooney and Editor John Jasionowski on the CTU’s retiree publication, Senior Advisor. Its first issue is off to a good start and should be with us for many years. It fulfils a needed area in CTU retiree news.

One of retiree’s favorite and least expensive all-inclusive vacations is to take a cruise. Down here in Florida boat after boat has returned with many ill passenger due to a “virus” that caused stomach distress. It has not affected all ships but some have had to cancel their next trip and disinfect the ship. I’m sure they will get this under control. Should you decide on a winter warm weather cruise? I would not hesitate.

Do you need your prescription filed? The prescription filling process is undergoing a drastic change. It’s simple economics. People go where they can get the most for their retirement dollars. People have started to save by having their prescriptions filled via the Internet. The rapidly emerging on-line pharmacies are doing a brisk business. Canada, Mexico and other off shore companies are filling the need. We are also seeing special “pharmacy tours” for seniors that drive just across the border so people can stock up. Is there something wrong when you can get the same prescription filled by leaving this country? You’re right of course.

I hope you all had a fine holiday and wishing you all a great New Year. Marlene and I had a wonderful visit with our grandchildren who came to warm up in the Florida sun. Keep in touch. Al Korach: Crane47@aol.com.