Local 5147 Members: Insurance Alert

We hope your summer has been enjoyable so far! Your leadership has been busy at work, so let’s get right into it:

When we first negotiated our new contract for 2024-2026 (wow has time flown, we are halfway through our 3 year contract), we went over language with a fine-tooth comb. One of those instances was when it came to our insurance. In Article 24 of our contract, it is clearly stated that “Any member participating in the Medical Benefits Plan who has services provided at HRH shall not be responsible for any payment.” End of sentence.

It has come to our attention that members have been receiving bills, and when reaching out to management for reconciliation we are being told that some services are “sent out” and therefore are the staff’s responsibility. That is unacceptable to us as your leadership, against the language management and the union have agreed upon in our contracts bargained in good faith, and another battle we as your leadership will be fighting.

To those who have received bills, please make copies and send to your union leaders to be included in our case. In the short term, please set up payment plans as to not have your credit affected by nonpayment of medical bills until this issue is resolved.

As a reminder, whenever meeting with management always request to have union representation present for the conversation to protect your rights. We have previously had issues of disciplinary conversations happening informally without union representation which causes issues such as unjustified disciplines. Exercise your rights, protect yourself, and go to your union reps for any issues or questions.

That’s it for now. From your leadership, stay safe at work and in this incoming heat. Enjoy the summer!

In Solidarity,

HPAE local 5147 Executive Board