Retired Public Employees Council of WA Working to protect and enhance the pension and health care benefits of Washington retired state, county and local government employees
RPEC Weekly Newsflash, June 16, 2023
June Monthly Leadership Call
Don’t miss the June Monthly Leadership Call on June 16th @ 1:00 PM where we will touch briefly on our discussion from May and any challenges/successes chapter leaders have had regarding these topics. Then we will move on to the June materials. Topics being covered for June are information, rules, and purpose of political action at the chapter level, followed by a discussion regarding the AFSCME Council 2 Convention and how chapters can connect with city and county workers in their area who are poised for retirement. We encourage all leaders and those interested in playing a larger role in their chapter to attend the Monthly Leadership Call.
Computer/Tablet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85437458246?pwd=ZFpERk94WmRPMTlFTjkyd2xmdlpPZz09
Meeting ID: 854 3745 8246
Passcode: 035244
Phone:
253 215 8782 US
Meeting ID: 854 3745 8246
Passcode: 035244
AFSCME Council 2 Convention
This past weekend, Membership Coordinator Jakob Canup (left) and Administrative Project Coordinator Alissa Brady (right) represented RPEC at the 56th AFSCME Council 2 Biennial Convention in Spokane. Joining them to run the RPEC resource table were Chapter 13 members Aruna Bhuta, Karol Hoffman (center), and Chapter President Gail Spaeth. Several Council 2 members signed up to join RPEC and many more took materials to share with their coworkers who are eligible or nearly eligible. RPEC also hosted a retirement workshop for nearly 60 Council 2 members. At the workshop, the first ever copy of “RPEC’s Guide to Retirement” was shared and reviewed with the purpose of prepping the attendees for retirement. Attendees expressed the usefulness of the workshop and guide and provided feedback to further improve it. We look forward to more opportunities to support AFSCME Council 2.
Health Care Authority Benefits 24/7 Portal
Last week we were notified by the Health Care Authority that they are postponing the launch of the Benefits 24/7 portal until further notice. We will share more details as they become available.
Member-Only Benefits – AFSCME Advantage Legal Assistance
As an RPEC member, you have access to exclusive, member-only benefits through our affiliation with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Do you have a legal question or need to hire an attorney? AFSCME has partnered up with MetLife to provide members with free access to basic legal assistance and affordable costs for premium legal services. There are over 6,800 law firms participating in the basic plan. You have access to free initial consultations up to 30 minutes, and you save 25% on attorney fees. In the premium plan, there are over 18,000 attorneys available and if you opt to pay for a monthly subscription, you will have unlimited access to premium legal assistance completely covered by your monthly subscription. Choose the legal program that’s right for you at an affordable price: https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/home/legal-help?union=afscme
Upcoming Events:
Please refer to our calendar page for more information about each event, including links to Zoom meetings, if available.
- June 19 – Council Office closed, Juneteenth
- June 20 – Select Committee on Pension Policy Meeting (10:00 am)
- June 20 – Senior Lobby (10:00 am)
- June 20 – Select Committee on Pension Policy Executive Session (12:00 pm)
- June 23 – Pension Policy Workgroup Meeting (10:00 am)
- June 26 – Leadership Training Part A (10:00 am)
- June 29 – Public Employees Benefits Board Meeting (9:00 am)
- June 29 – Healthcare Workgroup Meeting (3:30 pm)
- June 30 – Leadership Training Part B (10:00 am)
- July 4 – Council Office closed, Independence Day
- July 7 – Monthly Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)
- July 12 – Public Employees Benefits Board Meeting (9:00 am)
- July 13 – Healthcare Workgroup Meeting (3:30 pm)
- July 14 – Legislative Committee Meeting (10:00 am)
