The Retired Public Employees Council of Washington is dedicated to serving members on retiree issues. Norm Schut, WFSSE/AFSCME's first executive director, formed the organization 30 years ago. Now RPEC represents 12,000 public retirees from state, city and county governments in 42 chapters across the state.

Why join RPEC?

Given the changing demographics and the increase in the number of PERS 2 retirees, RPEC is gearing up to serve its younger members better. RPEC already has fought and won for you — even though you might not fully appreciate those accomplishments until you retire.

Largely due to RPEC’s efforts, the Legislature adopted the Uniform Plan I cola in 1995.

In 1998 RPEC won a lawsuit against Washington State worth $42.5 million. Money was returned to eligible retirees who had overpaid their insurance premiums. Gain sharing, decreasing the PERS 2 early retirement penalty, the right for public retirees to work up to 1,500 hours a year without penalty and the “pop-up” clause are all issues RPEC and others lobbied for and won.
This year RPEC is working hard to return governance of the pension fund to an independent board that would include retirees and working people. Health care issues and colas are also priorities.

Active workers or union locals can subscribe to RPEC’s newsletter for $10 a year. Public employees within one year of retirement may join RPEC at no charge as an associate member. You may even qualify for a second year of free membership if your Local pays the first year's dues to RPEC.

Be sure to inquire.

If you are retired, join us today for only $3 a month. Union members retain the 17 money-saving services available through the AFSCME Advantage Program.

For more information, to join RPEC, or to have a speaker at a Local meeting, please call 1-800-562-6097 ext. 105. The Web site is http://www.rpecwa.org

. Call and talk with us — it's your retirement.