FixFlex.Org

Dear President Mason,

I am writing today to make two requests:

1. That you ask Richard Saunders to circulate the following information to members of FRIC prior to their May 1st meeting: (a) the cost of the current benefits plan projected out 5 years, (b) the cost of the FRIC 2011 plan projected out 5 years, and (c) the cost of the so-called “Spencer Plan” projected out 5 years. This information was requested by FRIC on 2/6/09.

2. That you ask the co-chairs of FRIC to place a discussion of the FRIC 2011 Plan vs. the Spencer Plan at the top of their May agenda.

I am writing you directly about this because I believe that UI could save over $600K by implementing the benefits plan I have proposed in January, 2010. Although such a move would require coordinated action over the coming months, these are dire times that demand open-minded and rational decision making coupled with swift action.

If FRIC were to move forward with my plan, I believe the UI community would embrace this effort because (a) UI would save money, (b) it would show that FRIC was receptive to feedback stemming from the summer of 2008, and (c) my plan represents a strong compromise between the current benefits system and the FRIC 2011 proposal.

In this context, let me note that the Spencer Plan has been endorsed by the Family Issues Charter Committee. Let me also note that implementation of my plan would be straightforward since it is a modification of the existing benefits system.

Although there is the possibility for savings in the next fiscal year, nothing can happen without full consideration by FRIC. The Spencer Plan has received roughly 20 minutes of discussion since November 7, 2008 when I delivered a formal presentation to FRIC, and it has repeatedly been near the bottom of the FRIC agenda.

I am well aware that HR and FRIC are busy right now. I am well aware that we are facing an economic crisis. But I would expect that a plan that could save UI over $600K next year would merit discussion when people’s jobs and family security are on the line.

Let me also note that conducting 5-year projections for the Spencer Plan should be straightforward. My plan is a modification of the current flex benefits system; thus, making these projections should simply require modifying the parameters of the existing economic forecast models used when HR made projections last year.

Finally, I want to emphasize that I am not trying to force FRIC to adopt the Spencer Plan. I simply want FRIC to engage in a thoughtful discussion of my plan at the May meeting guided by the projections that they themselves requested.

Thank you for your consideration. I wish you well during these trying times. You are doing an excellent job holding this community together right now. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
John Spencer