WHEREAS:

Unionized workers covered by negotiated group health plans represent a sizeable portion of workers purchasing health care; and

WHEREAS:

Most unionized workers covered by health insurance plans have flexibility in their choice of hospitals when they need hospital care; and

WHEREAS:

Large numbers of hospitals and other health care facilities organized by AFSCME councils and locals face severe financial strain and closures, often because of uncompensated care provided to indigent patients and insufficient state reimbursement; and

WHEREAS:

These facilities could become more financially viable and continue to provide vitally needed care if unionized employees who use hospitals and health facilities specifically used union facilities; and

WHEREAS:

The successful intervention of the AFL-CIO in a contract deadlock at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California showed the positive effect of targeted union purchasing power when coupled with the threat to move it elsewhere.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME strongly urge its councils and locals to begin forming coalitions and alliances with other unions for the purpose of buying union health care; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME's International president seek assistance from the AFL-CIO in coordinating efforts of international unions in a "buy union" health care drive that would result in powerful leverage to enable consumers to get good quality care while preserving good union jobs in health care.

SUBMITTED BY:

Henry Nicholas, President and Delegate
NUHHCE/AFSCME Local 1199