In N.E. Etching
Company Talks
Another Argument
For National Health Care
HOLYOKE, Mass.
In another example of the need for a single-payer health plan,
the members of amalgamated UE Local 264 at New England Etching found wage
increases restricted by the hefty insurance premium increase paid by their
employer.
The new one-year contract ratified Aug. 27 and effective Sept.
1 raises wages by 34 cents an hour and continues medical and dental insurance
fully paid by the employer. The new average wage will be $15.75 an hour. The
hiring rate is increased from $6 to $7.50 an hour.
HEALTH CARE
The UE members at New England Etching take pride in that they
are among the few in the area who do not pay for medical and dental insurance.
However, the 15 percent premium increase paid by their employer earlier
complicated their push for a significant wage increase.
In a minor change to the medical plan, the company agreed to
reimburse employees whose co-payment had increased from $10 to $20 for
non-medical doctors such as chiropractors, up to $100 a year.
The contract increases the employers contribution to the
401(k) plan; the monthly employer cap rises from $34.67 to $40.
The UE committee consisted of Chief Steward Joe Bey and
Steward Richelle Bolduc. They were assisted by UE Field Org. Roberta
Krause.
UE News - 11/99
