George Avak
2005-2007
George was proud to have the guts to raise the money that was necessary to sue the state and protect our purchasing power– and WIN! I am proud of CalRTA for standing strong against ill-conceived schemes to end guaranteed pensions for teachers and other public employees—and WIN!
George’s goal was 100% purchasing power protection.
Although the purchasing power fund decision could have been appealed, George led the good fight. He believed in standing shoulder –to-shoulder with our colleagues still in the classroom to oppose plans that punish teachers and not improve education in our classrooms. Under his leadership CalRTA joined the Pension Protection Coalition to stand up against efforts to privatize teacher pensions and take away guaranteed pensions.
Preservation of retiree health care benefits was a key concern of CalRTA under George Avak’s leadership. At that time, the nation’s health care system was sick and getting sicker!The benefits negotiated in good faith between local teachers and their district were falling in jeopardy due to escalating health care costs.
George believed that the educators who often chose teaching over other opportunities with higher incomes because they loved teaching, deserved more than lip service. He felt we owed them guaranteed financial security after their working career ended.
Because there was so much factually incorrect information being printed in local newspapers, the Rapid Response Team was organized to respond to correct articles, editorials and opinions.
It was also under George Avak’s leadership the CalRTA Political Action Committee was formed!
At this time CalRTA was successful in opposing the confirmation of a CalSTRS board member who wanted to replace our defined benefit plan with a 401-k style program. Our program protects on only the financial security of CalSTRS retirees but also their spouses.
“Our members are our greatest strength. Membership is truly the lifeblood of our organization, bringing in fresh ideas and renewed energy.”
–AvakCRTA