AMSR ENROLLMENT FORM –
2/20/03 UPDATE
-
By Steve Hinds
(NOTE: Since we have received many requests for AMSR
Enrollment Forms, I have updated and combined two previous articles and placed
this revised version on our Home Page for easy access.)
By now (April 19, 2002) everyone should have received
and digested the first newsletter from the new “Association of Monsanto -
Solutia Retirees.” It seems clear to me
that this organization is needed for all the reasons they listed which have
been recapped below, and that the founding members should be applauded for their
determination to protect the interests of all retirees.
Purposes of the Association:
Strive to protect the pensions and benefits of Monsanto - Solutia retirees and surviving spouses;
Keep retirees and spouses updated on news and information
that may affect them;
Provide a forum for retirees to share pension/benefit
concerns or problems, and share solutions;
Assist retirees and surviving spouses in resolving disputes,
complaints or problems in the benefits area; and
Maintain vigilance and promote legislation to protect our
benefits and pensions.
Because of Bob Shapiro’s flawed strategy, everything has
changed for Solutia and Monsanto and for all of their employees and
retirees. In the past we believed in
the old concepts of trust, respect and mutually common goals and rewards – and
truly felt proud of our joint efforts and accomplishments. That atmosphere made our professional lives
very worthwhile, and I thank my lucky stars I was given the opportunity to live
in that environment and to work with so many good people during my thirty-four
years with Monsanto.
After a lifetime of working under those fundamental, guiding
principles of life, most of us felt that Solutia really had no intention of significantly
altering our medical benefits even though it had filed a Class Action Law
Suit. However, the August - October
period of 2001 gave all of us one of the most profound, gut wrenching shocks of
our lives. As a result of the November
1, 2001 settlement of that Class Action Suit, the financial security of all
Solutia retirees has been damaged to various degrees and the future security of
some retirees has been severely threatened.
Times have obviously changed and we must adjust accordingly.
I have forwarded my own enrollment to the “Association of
Monsanto - Solutia Retirees” as I believe it is the only logical decision
possible! I urge all 25,000 -
30,000 Monsanto and Solutia retirees and spouses to do the same.
In follow-on conversations with Jack Treece (mid-2002),
I suggested that it would be advantageous if our spouses could also become
members of the “Association of Monsanto & Solutia Retirees.” They obviously have as much at stake as we
retirees do, and their participation would increase the political clout of the
organization.
Jack and the Association replied that they would welcome the
membership participation of spouses.
Although the by-laws require dues only from retirees ($15 per year), the
spouse may at her or his discretion contribute any amount that they feel would
be appropriate. I personally recommend
that all spouses become members and contribute as they see fit. Further, to simplify the implementation of
this membership drive, I’ve copied the application form below for your
use. Print this page, fill out the form
and send it in as soon as possible.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
ASSOCIATION of MONSANTO & SOLUTIA RETIREES
P.O. BOX 863, CANTONMENT, FL 32533
Yes! I want to join the Association of Monsanto & Solutia Retirees. I support the fight to protect all retiree’s pensions and benefits.
Enclosed is my annual dues of $15 (make checks payable to: Assoc. of Monsanto-Solutia Retirees and send to the address above)
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________ ____________
City/State/Zip Code: _______________________________________________________________ _
Telephone ____ ______ ______
I retired in (year) ________ from (plant or location) _____________________________
All information provided on this
application is kept strictly confidential. The Association of Monsanto &
Solutia Retirees has filed for 501 C3 not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation
representing retirees from Monsanto Co. and Solutia Inc.
For those who currently do not own
Solutia or Monsanto stock, I’m also recommending that every retiree/spouse
jointly purchase a minimum of ten (10) shares each of Solutia stock ($2.97/share
on 2/7/03) and Monsanto stock ($16.01/share on 2/7/03). That action would give them the opportunity
to receive quarterly and annual reports, vote on proposed matters in the annual
Proxy Statements, attend the Annual Shareholders Meeting and, if desired, speak
at that meeting either individually or through an Association representative.