BCBSM Workers Get Healthy Increases

Workers at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan ratified a contract in August that raises their pay 3 percent in each of the three years of the deal.

UAW negotiators for Locals 1781, 2145, 2256 and 2500 also won a $1,500 ratification bonus, expanded family programs and benefits, and increased health care, pension and 401(k) benefits.

The bargaining team also negotiated an additional $500 per employee for the Tuition Assistance Program and Election Day as a paid holiday in 2002 and 2004.

But maybe most important to BCBSM workers is language that protects them in case any office of BCBSM is sold, transferred, merged or consolidated. Whatever entity assumes control of BCBSM would have to abide by the contract.

Michigan Gov. John Engler and other Republicans have discussed selling BCBSM and made overtures about “profitizing” the nonprofit entity that covers some 4.8 million people in that state.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer Granholm opposes selling or turning BCBSM into a for-profit health insurer.