 What Is RTO/ERO?
|
|
|
A bilingual and voluntary organization, The Retired Teachers of Ontario offers numerous benefits to members. These include: pension support; health care coverage; advocacy on social, political and economic issues; group travel programs; community involvement; and regular communication from both Provincial and District levels.
RTO/ERO provides a strong and active voice for a membership of 60,000. Members range in age from 50 to over 100 and include 4,000 associate members, most of whom receive spousal pension as widows or widowers of retired Ontario teachers.
How Many Members In RTO/ERO?
Most RTO/ERO members live in Ontario and are affiliated with one of 47 Districts into which the organization is divided. There are also two Districts in British Columbia with approximately 500 members. RTO/ERO is the only organization with representation from Elementary, Secondary, Public, Catholic, French, English and private schools.
Many members are actively involved at both the District and Provincial levels. Within each District, members participate in social, travel and leisure opportunities, become involved in political activities and some assume leadership roles on District Executives. At the Provincial level, members are actively involved through the work of the Senate, the governing body of RTO/ERO. Two representatives from each District serve as Senators, deciding upon financial and policy issues and electing a Provincial Executive. This Executive meets monthly and has several committees including Audit, Communications, Health Services & Insurance, Member Services, Pension & Retirement Concerns, Political Action, and Project–Service to Others.
RTO/ERO provides the following services to its members:
- Advocates on important issues for retired teachers such as CPP, Teachers'
Pension Plan, Health Services, and government legislation
- Monitors pension legislation, providing input on proposed changes and recommending improvements
- Participates in regular discussions with the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) and as a voting member of the OTF Pension Committee and Pension Negotiations Committee
- Health insurance that is comprehensive, competitive and affordable, operating the largest Canadian retired educator health plan covering over 60,000 members and their dependents.
- Takes political action on matters of concern to our members, including support for active teachers and public education
- Provides support and financial assistance to members in need
- Publishes a quarterly Magazine for all members and monthly updaters
for provincial and district leaders
- Provides over 45 Fact Sheets containing helpful information specifically
for retired Ontario teachers
- Maintains and provides access to a Web site (www.rto-ero.org)
- Offers a travel program for members and friends
about-en 01-08
