As prescribed by the UTU Constitution, the Association of General Chairpersons – District No. 1, met in Cleveland, Ohio on October 4, 2003, to review the proposed Health and Welfare agreement reached by our national negotiating team. That proposal was a disappointment in that it will require UTU members to contribute monthly cost-sharing payments to continue the same level of quality health care coverage that we currently enjoy. The UTU negotiating committee explained that given the alarming increases in health care costs in this country, and the fact that there appears to be no end to that trend in sight, it was impossible to avoid cost sharing without reducing benefits.

The proposal does include a "no cost" optional plan, but with significantly reduced benefits. It also includes, for the first time in history, an "opt- out" plan for employees who may have health care coverage through a spouse's health care plan. Highlights of the proposal are included here for your review. A copy of the entire agreement will be distributed to the membership for ratification within a few days. International officers will be scheduling meetings around the country to present the agreement and answer questions. We will post additional information here as it becomes available.