In 2006, 47 million U.S. residents had no health insurance, and the numbers keep growing. Of the 47 million Americans without health insurance, 8.7 million are children.

Health care costs are rising at more than twice the rate of inflation. Health care premiums have increased 78 percent since 2001 based on the Kaiser Family Foundation surveys and wages have increased 19 percent. As employers refuse to pay their fair share, this trend may result in millions of workers losing their employer-based coverage (PDF).

Because employers increasingly are shifting health care costs to employees, America’s workers struggle to pay higher premiums, deductibles and co-payments—if they can afford such coverage at all.

On April 4, 2009 our Collective bargaining agreement expires with AT&T and this may be the most difficult negotiations we have faced. We must stand united with one voice to let the company know that we will stand together to protect and expand our health care coverage for current and retired Members.

In unity there is strength.

Roy Hegenbart
President
CWA Local 3250