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President's Report
By richard Benoit As we become more mature in age, it seems as if time flies even faster . . . unfortunately. Manitobans in general and RTAM have experienced a very busy fall season with the provincial election high on the agenda. Through the arduous, thoroughly professional and high quality work, members of the Political Action Committee (PAC) and of the Pensions Committee (in particular Anne, Wayne and Norm) prepared short, concise and extremely helpful documents for general use. RTAM, chapters and members at large could then communicate with politicians of all stripes throughout Manitoba informing them and the general public about the COLA problem.
RTAM requested: 1. support/commitment to fairness for retired teachers; 2. support/commitment to significant COLA funding for a long term resolution; 3. support/commitment to COLA improvement as a priority.
Only the future will indicate the degree of success of our campaign. Two factors remain unchanged in regard to RTAM. This organization will always seek fairness and equity in regards to pensions and we will continue to inform our members, the public at large and politicians of our plight. To the main organizers of our campaign and to all who contributed, be proud of your actions and . . . thank you sincerely!
Some might consider that now, RTAM can rest and wait for another election, another urgent challenge facing our organization. Such is not the case. Did we as teachers and administrators stop and relax for a while before starting a new unit or new semester in the year? Definitely not. We hurriedly and enthusiastically embraced the new unit, the new period. And yes, we still have that drive, that determination, that enthusiasm to continue improving the future of our members throughout the province, in our chapters and communities.
We all want to live to a ripe old age and enjoy experiences we have not yet had time to live. Thus, wellness must assume more importance in our lives. The Wellness Committee at the provincial level organizes seminars mainly in Winnipeg but the members can assist chapters everywhere to organize such events. The Wellness Committee and the Chair Peggy Prendergast can also provide information and sources of information most valuable in helping create healthy minds and bodies. Teachers never condoned bullying or abuse and retired teachers do not either. This question of bullying, physical and psychological abuse has dramatically and sadly reached the level of seniors. Once again, in cooperation with the Wellness Committee, explore and study these topics and besides informing yourselves, help prevent such abuse in assisted and personal care homes, in families and again in the community at large. The various levels of government are in dire need of our cooperation in striving to eliminate almost all, if not all elderly abuse.
Teachers are usually blessed with writing skills: some are poets, others reporters, others experts in short articles. Get in touch with Doreen, our KIT editor or Ron, our webmaster and contribute! If travel is of interest to you, attend our annual seminar or, contact Val, our Travel Chair for assistance. John, our Public Relations, Membership and Chapter Liaison Chair is eager to seek new members, promote public relations and create new chapters. All of the above are a necessity in every organization and in RTAM; this committee would welcome new members and chapters.
Benefits in regards to our various Johnson plans are being renegotiated this year. RTAM will be keeping you informed of these negotiations as they progress. It is important that you understand the Johnson plans as well as any other plan in which you participate. In regards to the Johnson ones in which we are directly involved, read KIT, our website and attend informational meetings. Chapter presidents will probably be invited to such a meeting regarding the progress of our negotiations. Ted Poulter, Turn to page 15
