Dan McGuire wrote, "And I have heard reports that the union is indeed willing to accept changes in benefits; they just don't want the exact changes being dictated by Bell and the Met Council."
[TMS] I tried doing a few searches and came up empty on specifics. Do you have a link that states what the union is willing to accept? [TMS] Dan also took exception to the articles stating that Met Council attempt to control healthcare costs. When I hear about an employer talking about controlling healthcare costs, I think most people assume they are talking about THEIR costs. Other than continue spending dollars in a rate that cannot be sustained, I am unsure as to what Dan expects of the Met Council when it comes to controlling healthcare costs. Michael Hohmann wrote, "They are in for sticker shock when they find what types of family coverage are available for $400-$500 per month; what deductible and co-pays are required, etc." [TMS] Michael was a little low in his estimate. Here are the healthcare costs as they appear on the union's web site. It's not entirely clear, but I believe this is for 2 months of coverage. Ouch. I hope the striking workers are aware of how much this could cost them. It does not include dental coverage. http://www.atu1005.com/Contract%20Updates.htm "If a strike was to go beyond the first month, under Cobra Law, you would be responsible for the entire premium amount plus 2%. *Family coverage is $1,131.10 plus 2% for a total of $1153.72. *Single coverage is $452.43 plus 2% for a total of $461.47." Tom Searles Waconia, Twp. The ways an employer group can control healthcare costs are as follows. 1. Have historically low utilization of medical services. 2. Switch health carriers in search of a better deal. This is usually only a temporary solution. 3. Offer less inclusive packages or packages with higher copays and deductibles. REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
