Striking ATI Steelworkers Hold the Line for Premium-Free Health Insurance

[Omaha Steve]

Steelworkers Local 1357 strikers and supporters pose for a photo in front of cars carrying replacement workers. Workers at nine ATI plants across the country have been on strike since March 30. Photo: Dan Brush


June 14, 2021 / Peter Knowlton

Across the country, steelworkers at nine plants of Allegheny Technologies, Inc. have been on strike for the last 11 weeks.

They want raises; to stop contracting out; to secure full funding of their retirement benefits; and to beat back management’s efforts to introduce health insurance premiums and a second tier of coverage for younger workers.

The Steelworkers union (USW) accuses ATI of unfair labor practices including bad faith bargaining, and of holding retiree benefits hostage for contract concessions.

ATI, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh, makes steel used in aerospace and defense, oil and gas, chemical processes, and electrical energy generation.

FULL story: https://labornotes.org/2021/06/striking-ati-steelworkers-hold-line-premium-free-health-insurance

[zipplewrath]

1. Just like the "mandate"

The whole "Cadillac" insurance feature of the ACA was a mistake. It was unnecessary and counter productive. It impacted blue collar workers who had bargained for significant coverage in lieu of pay raises and never should have been part of the whole deal. If we ever get a chance to "fix" the ACA, this should be a feature, if the PO isn't achieved, or MFA isn't achieved (or both in some form).

[Hugh_Lebowski]

3. What is the "Cadillac" insurance feature of the ACA?

I know of Gold, Silver, and Bronze ... but not any Cadillacs

[zipplewrath]

5. Overly generous

Companies are limited in the total amount they can spend on health insurance per employee.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

4. Stay strong brothers and sisters! (nt)