We are now one year into the most pro-union presidential administration in modern history. We knew it wouldn't be easy, and we still have a long way to go. But there have already been concrete wins for working people in spite of relentless obstruction and anti-worker animus among many members of Congress. We now have a pro-worker majority at the National Labor Relations Board.
We have a union sibling, Secretary Marty Walsh, at the helm of the Department of Labor. And with the American Rescue Plan, $1.9 trillion has been released to states and localities to spend on COVID mitigation, infrastructure and more. Though we still have a long way to go to enact the rest of our legislative priorities -- passing pro-worker legislation like the PRO Act, the outright cancellation of student debt, strengthening of voting rights and implementation of Build Back Better -- we have much to be proud of.
Wishing You a Peaceful and Reflective MLK Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life in pursuit of the vision he preached.
His public diagnosis of the issues with American society – what he called the "three evils" of poverty, racism and war – was especially controversial. By bravely speaking out against these evils, Dr. King was
Start the new year focused on your homeownership goals. After all, buying or refinancing a home is probably the biggest financial decision you’ll make in 2022. The experts at Union Plus Mortgage Company know that and want to help guide you through the process.
Start with an easy online application for a variety of loan options including conventional, FHA and VA loans.
If you become a Union Plus Mortgage holder, after one year you’ll be protected by special hardship assistance if you ever become disabled, laid off or experience other eligible financial hardship.
So, if you’re ready for a mortgage that’s designed for you, contact Union Plus Mortgage Company today. NMLS Number 1561829.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Take Part in a National Action: Sideline the Filibuster
American democracy is under threat today. But any attempt to safeguard it is being blocked by the filibuster, an archaic legislative tactic leftover from the Jim Crow Era that is being used to stop any meaningful efforts to protect our elections and expand the right to vote.
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 and the Freedom to Vote Act are two pieces of legislation that are vital to safeguarding our increasingly fragile democracy. But without sidelining the filibuster, they have virtually no chance of being signed into law. It shouldn’t be this difficult to pass laws that help people -- especially ones supported by a majority of voters and non-voters alike.
Call or write your senators and tell them the choice is clear: Sideline the filibuster, not the hopes, aspirations and representation of America’s people.
It’s a new year and time to get that expensive dental work done. Save 20% to 50% on routine and major dental work with the Union Plus Dental Discount Plan. Plans start at just $7.95/month or $79.00/year.*
Save on:
Root canals, crowns, extractions
Bridges, dentures
Annual exams, cleanings. fillings, X-rays
Compatible with HSAs and FSAs. No limits on use. Large network of providers.
Disclaimer: **+$10 one-time, non-refundable processing fee. THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE and is not intended to replace health insurance. This plan does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under M.G.L. c.111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This plan is not a Qualified Health Plan under the Affordable Care Act. This is not a Medicare prescription drug plan. The range of discounts will vary depending on the type of provider and service. The plan does not pay providers directly. Plan members must pay for all services but will receive a discount from participating providers. The list of participating providers is at Union Plus Discount Dental Plan. A written list of participating providers is available upon request. You may cancel within the first 30 days after effective date or receipt of membership materials (whichever is later) and receive a full refund, less a nominal processing fee (nominal fee for MD residents is $5, AR and TN residents will be refunded processing fee). Discount Plan Organization and administrator: Careington International Corporation, 7400 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034; phone 800-441-0380. This plan is not available in Vermont or Washington.
As the new year begins, we want to wish for you and your loved ones a happy and fulfilling 2022. After a historic 2021 with new organizing, workers' victories and renewed labor power taking the national spotlight, we look forward to continuing to build momentum this year and beyond to build a better future.
This holiday season, look to Teleflora’s expertly crafted arrangements and chocolate treats for the perfect gift. Here are 5 reasons to send Teleflora this season:
1. The discount is huge! Union members and even family members get the biggest deal of the year – 30% off until 12/25!
2. There’s something for everyone! Choose from traditional centerpieces; cute and whimsical delights; or just ask for the Deal of the Day – a unique arrangement based on your budget.
3. They support local florists! Teleflora flowers are hand-arranged and hand-delivered by a local florist near you, which helps support small businesses in your neck of the woods.
4. They’re edible! Well, just the chocolate treats but glad we got your attention.
5. For the memories! No one forgets the experience of receiving a bouquet picked out just for them. But you can make the memories last even longer with keepsake vases for year-round delight.
Don’t wait – order early and have a stress-free holiday!
CTA Button: ORDER EARLY
URL: https://unionplus.deals/ii5
Late last week, JCAU Council and CWA 1036 jointly filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge as well as a petition for immediate restraints with the Public Employment Relations Commission to challenge the Judiciary’s recently announced vaccine and testing policy. While the immediate restraints were denied, the underlying ULP is moving forward. The ULP is based on the near-immediate imposition of the policy without impact negotiations with the Unions. The Unfair Practice process is underway and procedural steps are scheduled over the next 2-3 weeks. We will keep members updated on any developments.
To All OPEIU Local Unions:
It's a very busy time in Washington with several key pieces of legislation pending that will significantly impact working families, including the PRO Act and the For the People Act of 2021 (voting rights).
To ensure consistent messaging and combat anti-worker efforts, OPEIU has put together messaging points on both pieces of legislation, along with some graphics that all local unions are encouraged to use in any publications, websites, social media postings or other communication methods. They are included below, and graphics are attached. We've also included an AFL-CIO statement, “Senate Rules Cannot be Used to Block a Workers First Agenda," which we hope you’ll find helpful. The Executive Council’s full statement is available here.
OPEIU Local 32, in collaboration with the other unions which comprise the Judiciary Council of Affiliated Unions, has reached a tentative agreement with the State of New Jersey for our court employees. Links here are for the summary of all the changes and the actual Memorandum of Agreement reached at the bargaining table. The 3-page summary is included for your convenience, but members will actually vote to accept or reject the complete MOA.
State Health Benefits Program School Employees' Health Benefits Program
PERCENTAGE OF PREMIUM CALCULATORS FOR PLAN YEAR 2013 Health Benefit Contribution Requirements under Chapter 78, P.L. 2011
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