The reason this is important is because the teachers union has noted they have the worst health care in the valley.
I had this medical plan during the time I worked at the school and it was then leaps and bounds above what I've had in the private sector. In quickly reviewing it these items immediately stick out:
- Pages 4, 5, and 6 note 100% coverage for a host of services.
- Page 8 indicates brand name presciption co-pay of $10.00 or $ 20.00 with a generic of $5 or $10.
- Page 9 indicates 100% dental up to $1500, and in the contract it notes that now this amount can be applied to orthodontics.
- TThe next 80 pages are the technical details (the benefits book).
4 comments:
Thank you for posting this as you are correct in that this has been the common theme of the teacher's demands.
Looking at this coverage, it is better than I have seen in the corporate world in years.
So this further begs the question, what is the teacher's union really looking for?
As with many residents, if they can clearly articulate to the public what it is they want, and if it is indeed reasonable, then I would have no problem throwing my full support behind them.
If this is just striking back at the large pay increase recently given to Dr. Lesky (which I question if he really deserved such a substantial one at this point given the known fact that the teacher's contract was up for negotiation), then just tell us.
We are grown ups and can handle it. Keeping demands secret only casts a large cloud of doubt as to your ultimate goals.
My point (from a different topic thread) exactly. However, we haven't heard exactly what it is that the teachers want because I think they don't really want it out in public that 4.5% and the benefits they get are not enough. Most people would think them greedy.
One point lost/not mentioned in the whole benefit discussion is the PENSION. Bar none, there is no better Pension than the DEFINED BENEFIT pension that PA teachers get. Who wouldn't want a guaranteed amount of money (75% of the highest 3 years salary period if I remember correctly) after retirement?
Stock market go down? Don't worry you're covered. Intrest rates higher? Again, don't worry because your pension is guaranteed. Ask any former Agere/BethSteel/(insert any business here) worker if they would like that....
I often drop a $100 or more a month for the prescriptions required of my wife and two children (my plan, and I don't get any drugs!).
As you say this is very good compared to what is available, especially if you are a small business where you don't have the power of volume.
The pension is also unmatched as you say.
Finally, like both of you, I am also seeking to find what the teachers want before I'll support their contention that this offer is not fair. In the meantime I'll support the fact that they are doing what they think is right within the process that was put before them. I'm not going to say the district is unfair yet.
As fair as fairness goes, yes hearing what the teachers' union is requesting is also what info I would like. Although, as far as what I have told the some of the board/admin has been out right disrespectful and very rude. They need to iron out their issues so school can continue on without all the hostility. I hope this meeting will shed some light from the teachers wants.
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