BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN
New contract increases wages, protects benefits
Ask Patricia Morris about the newly ratified contract between the UAW and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and she sums it up as "a gain for workers in Michigan’ s health care industry."
Morris and other UAW members at BCBSM recently approved a new three-year agreement by a margin of 76 percent to 24 percent during voting Sept. 9-13. The contract covers 2,700 UAW-represented BCBSM workers from UAW Locals 2256 (Lansing), 1781 (Southfield), 2500 (Detroit) and 2145 (Grand Rapids).
The new agreement includes 3 percent wage increases each year, an additional 3 percent automatic/merit progression increase in each year for workers who are below their maximum pay grade, expanded tuition benefits, decreased prescription co-pays and increases in retirement benefits. UAW members also will receive a $2,500 ratification bonus.
"Our members at Blue Cross also gained a contract that addresses job security concerns and protects the work that our members have the right to perform," said UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles, who directs servicing for the Technical, Office and Professional Department.
"It’s a good contract for us. Every day workers are fighting for wages and benefits to be able to make it day to day. We are thankful for a contract that helps us achieve that," said Morris, UAW Local 1781 president.
The new agreement expires Aug. 31, 2011.