Unions fight back on insurance

[Omaha Steve]

My union (AFSCME Local 251) is in this fight.


http://www.omaha.com/article/20100420/NEWS01/704209859/0#unions-fight-back-on-insurance

Published Tuesday April 20, 2010

By Maggie O'Brien and Paul Goodsell
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITERS

Omaha city leaders aren’t free to ignore their contractual obligations to retired employees by making retirees pay more for health benefits, the city’s employee unions say.

“They made a promise to people,” said John Corrigan, an attorney who represents Omaha’s police, fire and civilian unions. “The city obviously is taking an action that is going to engender legal challenges.”

Mayor Jim Suttle announced Tuesday that he wants retired city workers to pay at least an extra $1,000 a year — and possibly as much as $8,400 more — for health insurance.


PROPOSED PREMIUMS
FIREFIGHTERS
Single: $175
Single plus one: $420
Family: $686

POLICE
Single: $128
Single plus one: $307
Family: $501

CIVILIANS
Single: $179
Single plus one: $430
Family: $702

Source: City of Omaha


The proposal is intended to save the city $6.75 million a year. If approved by the City Personnel Board and the City Council, it would take effect July 1.

“In fairness to our taxpayers, we cannot afford to wait any longer to reduce the cost of the current city health care system,” Suttle said.

Omaha now provides health benefits to nearly 1,100 former employees and their families from the time they retire until they reach age 65 and qualify for the federal Medicare program. In most cases, the city covers 100 percent of the premium, although some retirees pay modest premiums.

FULL story and video at link.