Pierce Updates
Read the 12 -22-09 update
Read the 12-14-09 update
Read the 12-11 update
Read the 12-7 update
Jan. 7 Update - Pierce Pages - download update
Important Teamsters Medical Insurance Info. Meeting - Jan. 12, 5:15 p.m. -Washington High School Auditorium, 12420 Ainsworth Ave. S. - Tacoma 98444 - Park in the far south lot on Tule Lake Rd as this is the closest lot to the auditorium. The purpose of this meeting is to answer any questions regarding the Teamsters medical plan. You can view the Teamster's form here.
From Roberta Burnett, L17 Union Rep.
Troy and I attended
Mediation with a State Mediator from Public Employment Relations Commission on
December 21, 22 and the 23rd. The Unions made a
reasonable proposal, 100% for employee 90%for dependent coverage and an opt out
payment of $125 per pay period.
The County rejected and
came back with a counter proposal that was completely inequitable. The proposal
was for the employee only to pay $40.00 per month for premium and then an
additional 10% for any dependents, unless you are under the PPO would pay another
$76.22. They presented a tiered formula that was as shown below. As you
can see this proposal is inequitable, paying similar premiums for FourFront or
Group Health as they do for Selections is problematic.
Right now we, are
scheduled for January 11 and 13, 2010 and will continue to work towards an
equitable settlement. The Unions are looking to (PERC) Public Employment
Relations Commissions for assistance in getting the County to recognize that
there position on deducting the difference is an Unfair Labor Practice. We
realize that in the interim it is a financial burden for some which is why we
agreed to the interim agreement to allow employees to change to a more
affordable plan. The Unions believe the County does not care about how this
negatively impacts their employees and continues to bargain in bad faith.
Please hang together as we attempt to get a resolution that appropriate.
There will be another Teamster information meeting on January 12, 2010, at 5:30
p.m. the location is to be determined. Teamsters are looking into an
option that would make Group Health affordable. Their plan offers time loss of
$400 a week, a 9 month waiver (should you be out of work they will continue
your benefits for that period of time), this plan also covers domestic
partners. We could get into this plan for zero cost to employee and
dependents. Provided the trust accepts the group. If they do, we would
vote the membership first.
Regence
Employee $40.00 + $76.22
Employee + Spouse $88.21 +
$76.22
Employee + 1 Child $67.12
+ $76.22
Employee + 2 Child $94.23
+ $76.22
Employee + Spouse + 1
Child $115.32 + $76.22
Employee + Spouse + 2 or
more child $142.44 + $76.22
Selections
Employee $40.00
Employee + Spouse $85.06
Employee + 1 Child $65.35
Employee + 2 Child $90.69
Employee + Spouse + 1
Child $110.40
Employee + Spouse + 2 or
more child $135.75
FourFront
Employee $40.00
Employee + Spouse $83.09
Employee + 1 Child $64.24
Employee + 2 Child $88.47
Employee + Spouse + 1
Child $107.33
Employee + Spouse + 2 or
more child $131.56
Group Health
Employee $40.00
Employee + Spouse $85.37
Employee + 1 Child
$81.69
Employee + 2 Child $81.69
Employee + Spouse + 1
Child $127.06
Employee + Spouse + 2 or more child $127.06
From Roberta Burnett, L17 Union Rep.
Troy and I just finished our mediation session today and we did reach an interim agreement with the County for open enrollment. A copy is attached. Please keep in mind this is an interim agreement and we are still working very hard to reach an equitable agreement on the health care plan and premium share. We have additional mediation sessions scheduled for December 21, 22 and 23.
Open enrollment is extended to December 23, we are recommending that if you have not done open enrollment that you wait until Thursday or Friday to allow the IT department to make the necessary changes.
The interim agreement means:
- The open enrollment will be extended to December 23, 2009
- You may opt out if you have proof of other medical insurance.
- You may change plans and add or delete dependents at this time.
Another open enrollment will take place once we’ve complete negotiations, up to and including changing to Teamster’s plan.
If you already did the enrollment you will have an opportunity to do it again if you wish to make any changes in the plan or dependent status.
If you are not making any changes to the plan selection or dependents , you do not need to revisit the on-line enrollment.
What it doesn’t mean:
- The premium share for the time being is unchanged.
- Neither Labor nor Management has acquiesced their status quo position.
- That we have completed negotiations.
Thank you for your support during this difficult time, please visit the webpage as we will keep it updated.
More info. below
On Dec. 7, there was a chapter meeting. Chapter officers were nominated and Hans Hunger was appointed elections chair, if you have any additional nominations, please contact him. See info on Duties of Chapter Officers.
Additionlly, layoffs and medical negotiations were discussed. The Teamster’s medical plan and addressing the bargaining unit’s questions and comments also was addressed. You can view the Teamster's form here. The form must be turned into Troy Lee by Mon., Dec. 14.