Retiree Advisory Committee Launched

Ten Local 5 retirees from throughout the union’s geographical areas came together last month to meet with President Lind and to begin an ongoing dialogue regarding issues of importance to retired members.

The Retiree Advisory Committee will consult with Lind and other union officers on a regular basis to provide input that has been often overlooked by the locals that merged to form Local 5.

At the August meeting, Lind updated committee members on the UFCW Convention, the Employee Free Choice Act and the importance of electing Barrack Obama in November. He also explained and sought advice on retiree health care and possible changes to the benefit structure. Local 5 Retiree Liaison Alyse Davidson was introduced to the group and will continue to be involved.

“This is a process that is long overdue and I’m grateful to Local 5 for recognizing our concerns,” said Dennis Eleen from San Jose. “I appreciate being selected to participate and look forward to representing the interests of my fellow retirees.”

Committee members in attendance were Paul Feci, Perry Pearson, Nele Bujuklian, Tom Francois, Isabel Pagano, Louis Jensen, Bob Caughron, John Rinaudo, Jean Powers, and Dennis Eleen.