Union Issues

 

The tragic, violent death of George Floyd at the hands of police has devastated so many of us. It is hard to talk about. And, it is hard to find words to describe our anger and sadness. However, we know that silence gives consent and that silence makes us complicit — so we will not be silent.

We will start by saying this:

We value the lives of black people.
We believe Black Lives Matter.
We denounce racism, in all its forms.
We stand against hatred.

To our friends and neighbors in the black community, we say,

We hear you.
We value you.
We stand with you.
We will not be complicit.

We stand in support of protestors across our country as they exercise their constitutional right to peacefully assemble in protest against the injustice that resulted in the death of George Floyd.

We stand with those also protesting and mourning the loss of so many others that have been killed due to systemic racism and injustice, including, but unfortunately, not limited to:

Ahmaud Arbery
Breonna Taylor
Trayvon Martin
Tamir Rice
Michael Brown
Eric Garner
Philando Castile
David McAtee

We humbly stand in the sunshine of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream — a world where race and color does not separate us, but unites us, equally, as we move towards building a more perfect union. We are hopeful that the conversation that has awoken in the nation this week leads to meaningful change.

We stand ready to listen and learn the best ways to support our friends and neighbors in the black community.

Below you will find updates about the support Union Plus and our partners are providing including offering online tools that support social distancing, billing accommodations for those directly impacted by this pandemic and evolving virtual customer service access.

---

Union Plus Hardship Help — Here When You Need Us

If your family has been directly impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our Hardship Help Resources.

Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan or supplemental insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through our Mortgage Assistance Program or other Union Plus hardship assistance programs.

LEARN ABOUT UNION PLUS HARDSHIP BENEFITS

Union Plus Job Loss Grant Qualification Period Just Reduced

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the qualification period for Job Loss Grants has been reduced from 90 days to 45 days through September 30, 2020.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR JOB LOSS GRANT

---

Wells Fargo Announces Aid for Customers and Communities Impacted by COVID-19

Wells Fargo has executed its comprehensive response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which includes offering fee waivers, payment deferrals and other expanded assistance for impacted mortgage customers.

In addition, Wells Fargo is suspending residential property foreclosure sales and evictions at this time

VISIT THE WELLS FARGO CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE PAGE

---

The Hartford Suspends Policy Cancellations in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

To offer support during this challenging time, until June 1, 2020, The Hartford will temporarily suspend policy cancellations due to non-payment of premiums for payments due for February, March and April 2020.

Visit The Hartford’s COVID-19 Resource Center 

---

AT&T is Offering 24/7 Online Support & Billing Options for Impacted Customers

AT&T has waived pending termination and late payment fees for customers experiencing financial hardship due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as offering 24/7 online customer support.

GET AT&T ACCOUNT SUPPORT

---

Union Plus Credit Card

Capital One is here to help cardholders who may be impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

LEARN MORE

---

Union Plus Get Your Degree for Free from Your Home

Your education doesn't need to be put on hold because of social distancing. With extended registration and semester dates and additional financial aid options for related expenses, Free College remains a great way to further your education, while keeping safe social distances and remaining healthy.

Unemployed, furloughed, laid off union workers and their extended family members are all eligible to enroll in Free College.

Summer session begins June 1, 2020.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FREE COLLEGE

---

Collette Vacation Tours Changes and Travel Advisories

In response to the current Coronavirus pandemic, all tours through June 30, 2020 have been cancelled.

VISIT THE COLLETTE WEBSITE
FOR ADDITIONAL CORONAVIRUS
TRAVEL CHANGES AND ADVISORIES

---

Complete Your Bachelor's Degree Online for Free

Your education doesn't have to wait because of the Coronavirus pandemic. With our Bachelor's Degree Completion Program, you can finish your Bachelor's Degree for free by enrolling in summer classes, starting May 18, 2020.

GET STARTED! NEXT SESSION STARTS MAY 18

---

MetLife Home & Auto Offers Billing Accommodations for Customers

MetLife Auto & Home^® is providing financial relief, preserving coverage in the event of missed payments, and processing claims remotely to ensure social distancing. These measures include non-cancellations of homeowners, renters and auto insurance policies due to non-payment through July 1, 2020 and a 15% credit for April and May for customers who are paid to date.

Please contact MetLife Home & Auto at 855-666-5797 to discuss options available to you.

GET MORE METLIFE CUSTOMER INFORMATION

---

Thinking of our Pets During the Pandemic

If you're one of these new pet families, (or are ready to take the pet plunge), you probably have some questions — Pets Best is here to help.

• Free Articles and Tips: Check out the Pets Best Blog for free access to articles with tips about virtual pet care, working from home, pet adoption, and more.
• Virtual Resources for Pets Best Customers: Pets Best customers have access to a 24/7 pet helpline where veterinary experts can answer questions about your pet’s health – day or night from the comfort of your home.

CONTACT PETS BEST CUSTOMER CARE

---

Shop Online for Glasses & Contacts

Our vision plans let you shop online for frames and contacts at participating providers like LensCrafters, Target Optical, Glasses.com and ContactsDirect.

LEARN MORE

---

Credit Counseling Shifts Online

Our Credit Counseling program has shifted to phone and online services as we weather this pandemic.

CALL 877-833-1745 AVAILABLE 24/7 OR LEARN MORE ONLINE

---

Union Plus Personal Loan Program

If you are having trouble making a timely loan payment due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please call 855-682-9377 for assistance.

---

Medicare’s Coverage of the Coronavirus

Medicare now covers Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and covers treatment in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.

LEARN MORE & FIND AFFORDABLE MEDICARE PLANS

---

AFL-CIO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page

The AFL-CIO has compiled a Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resource page with valuable information and updates. In addition, please check out your union's website as they may have additional information and resources.

VISIT THE AFL-CIO RESOURCE PAGE

---

Helpful Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• FAQ's on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• How to Protect Yourself
• What to do if you are sick

VISIT CDC.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

---

Hertz is Offering Free Car Rentals to Healthcare Workers in New York City

Hertz is stepping up and offering essential healthcare workers on the front lines of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in New York City free, month-long vehicle rentals* through April 30. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW HERTZ IS SUPPORTING NYC HEALTHCARE WORKERS

---

United Auto Workers at Ford and General Motors Work to Build Ventilators — helping to "Stop the Spread" of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Both Ford and General Motors have stepped up to build much-needed ventilators for patients across the country suffering from symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

United Auto Workers (UAW) International President Rory Gamble noted, "From the days of Rosie the Riveter, UAW members have stepped up during difficult times in this nation’s history for the good of us all."

We salute the efforts of Ford and General Motors and hail the United Auto Workers of America. We send thanks and well wishes — the work they do will saves lives.

Washington, D.C. – Union Plus recently awarded $170,000 in scholarships to 108 students representing 34 unions. This year’s group of scholarship recipients includes university, college and trade or technical school students from 31 states plus the District of Columbia.

The Union Plus Scholarship Program, now in its 28th year, awards scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need and commitment to organized labor's values. The program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation, supported in part by contributions from the provider of the Union Plus Credit Cards. Applicants do not need to be a credit cardholder to apply for the scholarship.

"When I see the dedication that these scholarship recipients display, I know the future of the labor movement is strong,” said AFL-CIO President and Union Plus Board Chairman Richard Trumka. “I'm so proud that the Union Plus Scholarship Program enables deserving students to pursue diverse educational opportunities and has helped 3,000 union members and their families achieve their dreams of a higher education.”

Since starting the program in 1991, Union Plus has awarded more than $4.5 million in educational funding to more than 3,000 union members, spouses and dependent children. Union Plus Scholarship awards are granted to students attending a two-year college, four-year college, graduate school or a recognized technical or trade school. The selection process is very competitive and this year over 7,100 applications were received from 65 unions, all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories, representing an almost 20% increase in applications over 2018. Visit unionplus.org/scholarship for applications and information about benefit eligibility.

“The entire team here at Union Plus is so proud to be able to offer this scholarship program to help union family members offset the high cost of college education” said Mitch Stevens, President of Union Plus. “This year’s group of 108 winners are all incredibly talented, motivated, and deserving students taking an important step to further their education and build the foundation for future success.”

In addition to the scholarship program, Union Plus offers the Free College Program in partnership with AFSCME, which makes it possible for union members and their families to earn an associate degree completely online at no cost. Union Plus also provides a wide range of money-saving programs including discounts on wireless services from AT&T, the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier, significant savings at six national car rental companies, special offers for travel and recreation, and more. Union Plus also offers a Credit Card Program¹ and Mortgage Program, both of which feature Hardship Assistance Grants² for eligible participants. Visit unionplus.org to learn more.

Visit unionplus.org/scholarship to apply for the 2020 Union Plus Scholarship. 

Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to eligible participants of one of the following programs:

• Union Plus Credit Card Program²
• Union Plus Mortgage Program
• Union Plus Personal Loan
• Union Plus Life Insurance
• Union Plus Accidental Death Insurance
• Union Plus Auto Insurance 
• Union Plus Retiree Healthcare

To qualify for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant:

1. Your residence must be in a county qualifying for “Individual Disaster Assistance” from FEMA. To check if your county has been designated as an area eligible for individual assistance, visit FEMA’s disaster declarations page.
    
2. You must have had a Union Plus Credit Card for at least three months, Union Plus Personal Loan for at least six months, Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance or Union Plus Auto Insurance for at least 12 months with that account or policy in good standing (be up-to-date on payments).

If you participate in the Union Plus Credit Card Program and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-622-2580.

If you participate in any other of the designated programs and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-472-2005.

The Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund has provided nearly $1 million in assistance to union members facing hardships following Hurricanes Michael and Florence, floods and other natural disasters. Head to the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund page to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.

Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to eligible participants of one of the following programs:

• Union Plus Credit Card Program²
• Union Plus Life Insurance
• Accidental Death Insurance
• Union Plus Auto Insurance 
• Union Plus Mortgage Program
• Union Plus Retiree Healthcare or
• Union Plus Personal Loan

To qualify for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant:

1. Your residence must be in a county qualifying for “Individual Disaster Assistance” from FEMA. To check if your county has been designated as an area eligible for individual assistance, visit FEMA’s disaster declarations page.
    
2. You must have had a Union Plus Credit Card for at least three months, Union Plus Personal Loan for at least six months, Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance or Union Plus Auto Insurance for at least 12 months with that account or policy in good standing (be up-to-date on payments).

If you participate in the Union Plus Credit Card Program and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-622-2580.

If you participate in any other of the designated programs and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-472-2005.

The Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund has provided nearly $1 million in assistance to union members facing hardships following Hurricanes Michael and Florence, floods and other natural disasters. Head to the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund page to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.

These grants and assistance programs are specially designed to help union members through uncertain times. 

For Union Plus Credit Cardholders**: 

• After three months as a cardholder, you may be eligible for a $300 Strike Grant*.

For Union Plus Mortgage Customers: 

• We offer Union Plus Mortgage Assistance. Strike/lockout grants can make mortgage payments if you’re participating in a union-approved strike or are locked out for more than 30 consecutive days. 
   
• For detailed information, applications or options for strikes/lockouts lasting less than 30 days, call 800-472-2005, extension 840. 

For Union Plus Personal Loan-holders: 

• After six months as a loan-holder, you may be eligible for a $300 Strike Grant.

For Union Members Who Participate in the Following Programs: 

• Union Plus Auto Insurance: Union Plus policyholders involved in a union-approved strike or a lock-out lasting 90 days or longer can defer premium payments for two months. To take advantage of this deferment, call 855-666-5797.
   
• Union Plus Life Insurance: Union Plus policyholder premiums are waived for up to three months during union-approved strikes lasting more than 30 consecutive days. This waived premium never has to be repaid. To use this strike benefit, call 800-393-0864.
   
• Union Plus Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: Union Plus policyholder premiums are waived for up to one full year during a union-approved strike or a lockout lasting 30 days or more, providing the coverage remains in force. This waived premium never has to be repaid. To use this strike benefit, call 800-393-0864.

For a list of other resources that you may be eligible for as a union member or retiree, visit unionplus.org/hardshiphelp. 

What is Union Plus?

Union Plus is a non-profit and we're the ONLY consumer benefits organization created and endorsed by the AFL-CIO. 

Here at Union Plus, our mission is to improve the quality of life for union members and their families, provide valuable benefits and services that strengthen the ties of union members to their unions and contribute funding to the labor movement.

We’re Union and We Stand by Union

• We’re committed to supporting U.S.-based and union workers, right down to using union printers and union-made products in our offices. 
• Our staff are members of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Local 2 in Washington, DC.
• Our volunteer board of directors is made up of top union leaders from more than 60 international unions and chaired by AFL-CIO president, Richard L Trumka.
• We contribute funding to the labor movement and support important union activities whenever we can.

What Do We Do?

We’ve negotiated with some of the biggest names and brands to get union members like you the benefits you deserve and the protection working union members need — such as hardship help, strike grants and disability benefits. We pass along the exclusive benefits we’ve negotiated on behalf of union members and their families directly to you. 

We believe that our country’s middle class was built by union-strong members like you, so we diligently research every benefit and tailor them to support you and other union members. 

We partner with your union to deliver these benefits to you.  So, for instance, we provide communication materials to your union so they can distribute it on your union website, emails, membership meetings, new member welcome kits, etc. If your union leaders need anything from us, tell them to visit unionplus.org/leaders.

We’re working hard, to make life a little easier for you.  

Eligibility 

• These benefits and programs are FREE to union members and their families. There’s no membership —if you’re a current or retired union member or a family member — you’re in. No Union Plus membership. No Fees. No Waiting Period. No Hassle. 
• Don't have access to a union job? Consider joining Working America for free.

What We DON’T Do

We don't manage or use any union membership dues to finance our budget or benefits. Period.

We also don't manage any union pension funds or health care funds. Typically, your union negotiates wages, health care and pensions directly with your employer.

How to Get Your Union Plus Benefits

Getting started couldn’t be easier. Simply create a profile on our site, and start using your benefits and discounts today!

CREATE YOUR PROFILE
 

Check out these three ways in which AT&T and unions work together: 

1. AT&T is the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier. 
    
2. AT&T has the largest full-time union workforce of any company in America. 
    
3. AT&T provides special savings to union members with the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus. 
   
   
   Learn More

He was affiliated with AFSCME for more than four decades, serving in a number of different capacities. He helped found Council 31 in Illinois, securing the first union contract for thousands of state workers and city of Chicago employees, shaking up Chicago’s old patronage system in the process. He later became the director of Field Services and eventually executive assistant to the president.

But resume items don’t capture everything he brought and meant to AFSCME. His leadership helped the union grow and thrive, becoming more diverse and dynamic. He was a gifted organizer. He combined passionate idealism with strategic smarts. He spent every day fighting for the right of public service workers to have dignity, security and a better life.

Paul devoted a lifetime to the pursuit of social justice. As a young man, he was an outspoken and influential voice against the Vietnam War. He was one of the leaders of Students for a Democratic Society, one of the most influential youth activist organizations in the nation’s history; and he helped craft the Port Huron Statement, the 1960s New Left manifesto.

Paul was also a man of generosity, decency and integrity, who believed in paying it forward – in grooming the next generation of activists. He has been a mentor and teacher to so many in AFSCME and beyond.

Paul is survived by his wife, Heather Booth, a powerhouse of her own in the progressive movement. They met at an anti-war sit-in more than 50 years ago, and Paul proposed just a few days later. Paul and Heather have two sons, Gene and Dan, and five grandchildren. 

Paul Booth leaves behind a loving family, legions of friends and admirers, and a towering, inspiring legacy.
 

Unions like the one you belong to have long been a powerful force for improving the living conditions of working families. Consider how these impact your life.

1. Weekends without work are the result of strikes in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that led to shorter work weeks with weekends off. This gave workers time to take care of personal matters and spend time with their families.
2. Child labor was condemned by unions as early as the 1800s, but it took until 1938 for the Fair Labor Standards Act pass. It federally mandates minimum age requirements for employees and working hours for children.
3. Social Security provides payments to retired workers 65 or older. It helps ease the economic uncertainty created when workers retire from the paid workforce.
4. 8-hour work days haven't always been the standard. In 1890, the average work week for a full-time manufacturing employee was 100 hours. It wasn't until decades later that union negotiations resulted in 8-hour work days.
5. On-the-job health and safety issues are an ongoing concern of unions. Before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created 43 years ago, an estimated 14,000 workers were killed on the job every year. Today, the number of fatal workplace injuries has dropped to 12 a day. Unions continue to work to lower that number.
6. Health care benefits have always been central to union negotiations. Today, the Affordable Care Act and its provisions provide points for continued discussion and lobbying efforts.
7. Employer-provided pension plans are more likely to be provided to unionized workers than to their nonunionized counterparts. Employers of unionized workers also contribute more toward pensions.

Unions will continue to play a pivotal role in improving and maintaining a better quality of life for America's workers and their families. Help get the word out--unions work for a better standard of living.