Unions Fight Medical Cost Hikes That Drain the Pocketbooks
Health insurance remains one of the most important benefits for union construction workers, but as costs continue to spiral, more collective bargaining agreements must tilt money to health and welfare benefit funds than to workers take-home pay. In some cases, these increases now outstripor replacewage gains.
Labor leaders, management representatives, union business agents and rank-and-file members all agree that the problem is escalating out of control. But among construction crafts, opinions differ on how to fix, or even address, runaway costs. Many are seeking ways to boost their buying power. "It overshadows everything else in collective bargaining," says Stephen F. Kelly, plumbers union assistant general president.