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The Thompson Paraeducators, Cafeteria Workers and Nurses unit is rightfully celebrating a huge win after organizing not just their fellow members but members from the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and Council 4 AFSCME to ensure everyone wins a fair and accessible healthcare plan.
“With contract negotiations ongoing, it was brought to our attention that our medical insurance, CIGNA, was increasing 17.5%. This was an unacceptable increase” explained Kathy Houle, Chapter President of Thompson Paras, Cafeteria Workers and Nurses, “The Superintendent and Board of Education wanted our members to take high deductible health insurance, which was unacceptable!
“Low wage employees can't afford this. We know that our members won't seek medical care for themselves and their families if they the price is too high. Unfortunately, groups that negotiated their contracts before us (teachers, custodians, secretaries) agreed through their negotiations/contract to accept HSA for their members. A few years back all union groups at Thompson Public Schools got together in an attempt to join the State Partnership Plan but somehow it fizzled at the last minute and went nowhere.
“With the help of our union representative, Adrean Rodriguez reintroduced an effort to join the State Partnership Plan. He arranged for a representative of the plan to speak to all union presidents, administration and Board of Education members. All agreed that the plan was the way to go due to the plans stability and RICH quality of insurance.
“With all union groups for Thompson Public Schools in agreement the Superintendent and Board of Ed approved joining the State Partnership Plan. Also, Town of Thompson municipal employees are joining in too. We are on track to offer our members excellent insurance.”
The State Partnership Plan represents a win-win opportunity for members and employers to control healthcare costs while pushing against high deductible plans that force members to make decisions between necessary care and food on the table.
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