At our last mediation session on December 2, with the assistant of a State Mediator we still did not reach an agreement with the County in regards to the 2010 Medical/Dental plans. The County continues to make unrealistic proposals that are inequitable and fraught with issues.  We have additional dates in December and January to continue work towards a settlement.

In the interim the County will implement their version of “status quo” and additional the County has determined that in order to maintain status quo you will not be allowed to change plans even though non-reps will be allowed to change plans during open enrollment. Another open enrollment will be scheduled when we reach a settlement. The County will be sending an email out to announce the “open enrollment” and the fact they will only be paying same premium dollar amount per plan selection beginning January 1, 2010, as shown below, as it is now paying for represented employees (i.e., the 2009 premium).  The employees (represented) will be expected to contribute the difference; the County is stating that if an employee does not authorize a payroll deduction to pay their portion of the premium, the County plans to have their coverage lapse. The unions are all filing Unfair Labor Practices and advising their members NOT to sign the payroll authorization for the additional premium costs.

Please be aware that these rates are only for represented employees in order to maintain the County’s opinion of status quo.  This situation will change week by week so please make sure you stay tuned or check in with your steward or officer. We will pass out our postcard and telephone campaign Monday at the chapter meeting.