Dipac

During the pre-2006 time period the group has functioned somewhat informally, without a clearly defined structure and without a name. However this issue has now been resolved with the adoption of an appropriately descriptive name

****************** DuPont INVISTA Pensioners Association Canada ***********************

The current DIPAC Pensioner Leadership Team (PLT) have been in contact with several other pensioner groups or associations, and have discovered that concerns are widespread….sufficiently so that an interest has developed for associations to join together and collectively pursue the larger agenda of real pension reform.

The PLT believes this concept has considerable merit. Many of the issues and concerns we face as pensioners of INVISTA (Canada) can only be circumvented with change to the governing legislation and regulations that currently exist. In times past we were inclined to have almost blind confidence in the thought that we would always be treated fairly. This was largely attributable to the long relationship we had with our employer, and was a confidence based on history and predictability. The unfortunate reality of today is that these factors are no longer in effect. The employment relationship we had over the years is not part of our history with INVISTA (Canada), and while it would be inappropriate to pre-judge how they might treat pensioners in the long term, it makes sense that we become less reliant on 'benevolence', and seek real assurance under the provisions of improved legislation and regulations.

Based on these conclusions, the PLT intends to pursue the formation of a 'federation' or 'coalition' with those other pensioner organizations who are similarly inclined. It is intended that this effort effort will not detract from the continuing monitoring of the 'health' and general status of our pension plan and other related administration issues.

This 'Path Forward" along with the continuation of our earlier role requires that we more formally organize and structure DIPAC such that it is functional as a duly constituted entity. These changes will require development of items such as By-Laws, definitions for membership, missions & goals, membership 'meeting(s)', a formal communications approach, officers, etc. etc. It is also necessary that a more formal process of 'member enrollment' be introduced, together with an annual membership fee as a source of ongoing financing for routine operating expenses. The goal is that this will involve a 'modest' cost to the member. It will also be necessary to reconcile the 'start-up funding' that has already been received from many pensioners, and to do this in a fair and equitable manner while recognizing the 'spirit' in which such contributions were made.

The establishing of a DIPAC internet Web Site is also seen to be a must for continuation of the agenda that has been pursued in the past, and that is anticipated for the future. This is a necessity if we are to achieve cost-effective communications with members. There is recognition that all potential members are not internet active, and other means will need to be used to communicate with these individuals.

To evolve as an effective association and to have a beneficial impact on the status of each individual in our group, much can be modeled on the efforts of other pensioner associations. Several of these are very well organized, and helpful contacts have already been made.

These efforts represent considerable 'work' and it is probable a call for help will occur opposite particular items on the agenda. We are confident the response will be positive given that the efforts will be beneficial to us as individual pensioners.