Health care costs significantly more today than it did in 2007 and very little of the cost is passed to active Teamsters; UPS continues to cover the rest. Despite all the "The Sky Is Falling" threads related to TeamCare, the additional costs associated with the insurance are very little, and for most FTers, only a small portion of the raise they've received.
UPS drew the line on insurance -- it was no longer willing to provide no-cost insurance to IBT members. It also hinted at making changes to benefit packages, but those changes were never discussed. UPS was clearly p'd that a lot of PTers used the ER as their primary physician, since the co-pay was often waved; thus, a PTer seeking to save a $10 co-pay on a $60 doctor bill was accessing the ER that was costing UPS $600. Undoubtedly, the language would've become more punitive. Regardless, IBT was able to assemble a benefit package that was similar to what we enjoyed before with very little cost passed onto us. What could we have done, strike?
"Tonight on Local News Channel, UPS workers go on strike. Here's Bubblehead to tell us why: 'Not only does UPS want to disrespect us with a $37/hour wage, they want us to pay $5 per prescription on our free insurance. Sure I could get it free through mail order, but dang namit, UPS is making record profits!"
You think the public would be on your side???
That's what they want you to believe.
I don't believe that is what happened at all.
It's been my contention that it was never the company who truly demanded they get out of the H.C. business, rather the union is who wanted those funds allocated to their healthcare funds instead.
With virtually every other sector of the union contracting and retiree numbers increasing, actuarial reports certainly indicated that the Central States Healthcare Fund would soon spiral downward if not infused with a new supply of members to contribute.
Had the company been the one insisting they needed this development, it would have been a significant bargaining chip in other facets of the contract.
Instead, the company "smelled" this weakness and flipped the script on Teamster negotiators.
I have also repeatedly contended that the Teamcare plan would be very comparable, on the surface, to what we had previously until 2016 and the next IBT General Election takes place.
It will be then, in 2017 and beyond, that you will see the true Teamcare plan they envision.
I qualify this statement by asking anybody to explain to me why such a healthy, vibrant and fiscally sound plan would need its members to suddenly contribute unprecedentedly in the form of an annual deductible on the last year of a contract, after its negotiators have sought reelection?
I think I know why.
Because they know the "wheels are going to come off" if they don't.
It will only be the tip of the iceberg, as we will never "unstrike that match" or "put that toothpaste back in the tube" if you will.
Look, I understand that it is counter-intuitive to think that we were duped and lied to.
I too want to believe everything will be fine, but there are too many clues to the contrary and too many holes in the story.
Believe me, I hope I am wrong.
