On Wednesday July 8, the Bay Area Hospital bargaining team met with the employer to negotiate changes to the Health & Welfare benefits provided to the membership. After a full day of bargaining, the parties came to an agreement that should benefit both the employer and the membership. A ratification vote will be held on Friday July 10 at Bay Area Hospital in the Myrtle Room from 7 am to 7 pm.
Local 555 members at Bay Area Hospital will see their health insurance coverage switched over from the Joint Labor Management Retail Trust health plan to the UFCW 555 Portland Area Employers Health Trust starting August 1, 2009. Members, who are currently paying approximately $73 a month, will also see their employee co-premiums for health insurance reduced. As long as the hourly rate for the health insurance does not exceed $4.59 per hour (currently $3.51) in 2009, members will see no out of pocket cost. Provisions also exist that limit member’s co-premiums if the rate remains below $4.72 on any increase after May 1, 2010 through the remainder of the contract that expires December 31, 2010.
