Graphic Communicator photos by Susan Zachem

The retirees workshop is led by Chairperson Julius Seide, second from right, of New York 51M, and Secy. Frank Young of Los Angeles 404M.

Retired GCIU local officers and members at the International convention proposed a number of strategies to keep retirees active in union and political arenas.

Reporting on the Retirees' Involvement Workshop, Chairperson Julius Seide, a retired officer of New York 51M, and Secy. Frank Young, a retired officer of Los Angeles 404M, said workshop participants proposed that all GCIU members apply for honorary life membership status upon retirement. The form could include a survey to indicate what areas and degree of participation the retired member would be willing to be involved in, and the data could be used by a local union or the International to call upon retirees for assistance.

Activities mentioned by workshop participants included providing transportation for organizers and representatives during organizing campaigns or other functions, including driving International and volunteer organizers to house calls. Retirees also could assist in handbilling and political action, the workshop report suggested. Retirees who are willing could even be used in out-of-town organizing campaigns, provided they are reimbursed for meals and lodging, workshop participants suggested.

Workshop participants said that retiree involvement would benefit from increased communications, including use of the Graphic Communicator and local newsletters, to publicize retiree activities and clubs. "Many retirees want to help in some way but lack contact or communications where such help is needed," Young said in his report.

Retirees who perform volunteer work for charity or other worthwhile causes should have some means of publicizing that they are GCIU members "thereby creating valuable good will for the union", Young said.

Two of the key issues discussed at the workshop were health care and a prescription drug benefit for retirees.

Seide pointed out that, if retirees are successful in the area of prescription drugs, for example, young delegates at the convention would reap the benefit when they retire. "So it's very important that we support each other. We will fight for your cause [and] you have to help us fight for our cause. We're brothers and sisters together in the war," he said to delegates' applause.

Roger Girard, standing, a retired officer from Montreal 555M, addresses retiree issues. In front from left are John Savage of Vancouver 25C and Bob Jennings of British Columbia 525M.