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TOWARDS 2000
with one of our Member Societies, a position which the IIW was
once proud to boast about.’
22
He finished in saying ‘…at such
time we must ensure that relationships among individuals are
strengthened and communications are maintained as effectively
as possible’.
To compound the issues that IIW faced, the year 1993
was one where a worldwide recession took place, which
did have an effect on Annual Assembly attendance and
on the Institute’s membership, with several countries in
danger of having to forfeit this due to non-payment of
membership fees. Despite IIW taking a strong stance
and a liberal attitude, trusting that outstanding fees could
be recovered quickly, this state of affairs was to continue right through the 1990s with as
many as 12 members having difficulty in payment of arrears.
23
The method of determining
the payment of fees, based on the quantity of steel used on a pro-rata basis, was questioned
in higher circles and started considerable debate. Some of the countries with high steel
consumption rates were not necessarily among the wealthiest of countries.
Timerman was also to comment on the additional cost of persons
representing Member Societies at an executive level as well as those
individuals attending Working Group and IIW Commission meetings. This,
if anything, underscored the great strength of IIW in having, within its
ranks, a diverse range of welding professionals who were willing to dedicate
their time and effort in a voluntary way to advance the cause of welding
technology and science. Timerman had a commendable attitude to his role
as President 1993-1996 and understanding of the principles of governance.
His first words to the Executive Council were ‘…remember you are here as
Directors representing IIW and all of its membership and not your Member
Society’.
24
Timerman did seek individual counsel with several members
of the Executive Council on how best they could help IIW, with particular
emphasis on regional development and the pursuance of a global education,
training, qualification and certification scheme.
Some of IIW’s longest serving members were close to retirement and a changing of
the guard was contemplated in several key positions. Boyd, for instance, retired in 1990 after
42 years continuous service, the last 22 years of which were as Secretary General. Boyd was
a man of great distinction and admired by those around him. He did not completely sever
all connections with IIW and his immediate retirement was spent in writing the history
of IIW,
Joining Nations – A History of the International Institute of Welding 1947-1990
,
Raül Timerman