Local 717 plans informational meetings

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — Local 717 of the International Union of Electrical Workers said it plans to have informational meetings for retirees before the end of October. Meeting dates have not been set.

Newly negotiated health-care benefits for Delphi Corp. retirees go into effect Jan. 1.

Karen Krolopp, Local 717 president, said some retirees under 65 are to receive informational packets from the Internal Revenue Service about the Health Care Tax Credit program. It offers financial assistance to those who have had pensions turned over to the federal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. and have lost health-care benefits. These packets are going to those who retired after Jan. 1, 2000, as Delphi retirees.

The union is working on clarifying the criteria that must be met to be eligible for a tax credit. Krolopp advised retirees not to complete any documents until they attend informational meetings with the IRS.

For retirees who are over 65, the union is in the process of scheduling informational meetings at the union hall for companies that provide Medicare supplements.

The union has a $1 billion claim against the “old GM” that is pending in bankruptcy court. That money is to be used to help pay for supplemental insurance, but it isn’t known when the claim will be resolved.