This Wednesday July 23rd the Healthy,Wealthy and Wise Seminar returns to Harlem with two sessions one in the morning from 9:00AM to noon and an evening session from 4:00PM to 7:00PM.Both sessions will take place at the St Thomas Liberal Catholic Church located at :
147 west 144street take 3 train to 145 st. or by bus M10
Among the guest speakers will be Norman Rosenfeld the retired Deputy Director at NYCERS.Mr Rosenfeld is one of the for most experts on the TWU local 100 NYCERS pension plan.Anyone thinking about retiring in the next few years or if you just want to learn more about the NYCERS pension plan should not miss this free seminar.In addition to Mr. Rosenfeld we will also have Chris Arceneaux V.P. from First Republic Bank and an expert in credit repair and an executive mortgage consultant.Anyone who wants to improve their credit score or is looking to purchase a home should also attend this free financial seminar.At the healthy ,wealthy and wise seminars there are always surprise guests,free giveaways and refreshments served, so come out to Harlem this Wednesday July 23rd and join your brothers and sisters who are getting there assets in order.
To RSVP by E-mail - seminars@homestationonline.org or via phone (212)631-5857 anytime day or night 24 hours automated reservation system
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Update on GHI/HIP merger and conversion
The latest person to show serious concern about the GHI/HIP conversion is senator Tom Duane here is his letter :
Dear Superintendent Dinallo:
With the 2008 Legislative Session behind us, I understand the New York State Insurance Department will be continuing its consideration of the proposed conversion of GHI/HIP to the for-profit entity EmblemHealth, Inc. I am deeply concerned about the impact this conversion would have on many of my constituents and GHI/HIP members throughout New York State.
As you know, NY Insurance Law §7317(b) prohibits such a change in the status of not-for-profit health insurance entities to a for-profit company if the move would "adversely affect the applicant's contractholders or members," or "negatively impact on the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of the state of New York." I believe that this conversion will both negatively impact the provision of health care services to the people of New York, and, more specifically, will adversely affect those individuals who are currently enrolled in GHI and HIP's health plans.
All other states considering such conversions within the past five years &ndash Kansas, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland &ndash have rejected these plans. As with all other for-profit corporations, the foundational legal obligation of EmblemHealth will be to maximize profits for its shareholders. The pursuit of profit will therefore be the company's premiere priority, surpassing the provision of quality health care services to its members as the company's primary goal. This will inevitably lead to higher prices for health care consumers and the cutting of corners with respect to the quality of health care services. If EmblemHealth raises its rates, its competitors are likely to do so as well, and all New Yorkers will suffer. A number of studies have shown that for-profit health insurance companies provide poorer quality health services and have lower rates of customer satisfaction than not-for-profit health care providers.
Currently, both GHI and HIP are financially viable and provide quality health care services to New Yorkers. There is absolutely no reason to permit a conversion to not-for-profit status, particularly when for-profit health care providers have been proven to be worse for New Yorkers than not-for-profits. Comprehensive, quality, healthcare for all New Yorkers must be the primary goal of health care providers &ndash not the acquisition of profit. For all these reasons, I strongly oppose the conversion of GHI and HIP to the for-profit EmblemHealth.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my position on this important matter.
Sincerely, Thomas K. DuaneNew York State Senate29th District
Dear Superintendent Dinallo:
With the 2008 Legislative Session behind us, I understand the New York State Insurance Department will be continuing its consideration of the proposed conversion of GHI/HIP to the for-profit entity EmblemHealth, Inc. I am deeply concerned about the impact this conversion would have on many of my constituents and GHI/HIP members throughout New York State.
As you know, NY Insurance Law §7317(b) prohibits such a change in the status of not-for-profit health insurance entities to a for-profit company if the move would "adversely affect the applicant's contractholders or members," or "negatively impact on the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of the state of New York." I believe that this conversion will both negatively impact the provision of health care services to the people of New York, and, more specifically, will adversely affect those individuals who are currently enrolled in GHI and HIP's health plans.
All other states considering such conversions within the past five years &ndash Kansas, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland &ndash have rejected these plans. As with all other for-profit corporations, the foundational legal obligation of EmblemHealth will be to maximize profits for its shareholders. The pursuit of profit will therefore be the company's premiere priority, surpassing the provision of quality health care services to its members as the company's primary goal. This will inevitably lead to higher prices for health care consumers and the cutting of corners with respect to the quality of health care services. If EmblemHealth raises its rates, its competitors are likely to do so as well, and all New Yorkers will suffer. A number of studies have shown that for-profit health insurance companies provide poorer quality health services and have lower rates of customer satisfaction than not-for-profit health care providers.
Currently, both GHI and HIP are financially viable and provide quality health care services to New Yorkers. There is absolutely no reason to permit a conversion to not-for-profit status, particularly when for-profit health care providers have been proven to be worse for New Yorkers than not-for-profits. Comprehensive, quality, healthcare for all New Yorkers must be the primary goal of health care providers &ndash not the acquisition of profit. For all these reasons, I strongly oppose the conversion of GHI and HIP to the for-profit EmblemHealth.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my position on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Thomas K. DuaneNew York State Senate29th District
Dear Superintendent Dinallo:
With the 2008 Legislative Session behind us, I understand the New York State Insurance Department will be continuing its consideration of the proposed conversion of GHI/HIP to the for-profit entity EmblemHealth, Inc. I am deeply concerned about the impact this conversion would have on many of my constituents and GHI/HIP members throughout New York State.
As you know, NY Insurance Law §7317(b) prohibits such a change in the status of not-for-profit health insurance entities to a for-profit company if the move would "adversely affect the applicant's contractholders or members," or "negatively impact on the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of the state of New York." I believe that this conversion will both negatively impact the provision of health care services to the people of New York, and, more specifically, will adversely affect those individuals who are currently enrolled in GHI and HIP's health plans.
All other states considering such conversions within the past five years &ndash Kansas, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland &ndash have rejected these plans. As with all other for-profit corporations, the foundational legal obligation of EmblemHealth will be to maximize profits for its shareholders. The pursuit of profit will therefore be the company's premiere priority, surpassing the provision of quality health care services to its members as the company's primary goal. This will inevitably lead to higher prices for health care consumers and the cutting of corners with respect to the quality of health care services. If EmblemHealth raises its rates, its competitors are likely to do so as well, and all New Yorkers will suffer. A number of studies have shown that for-profit health insurance companies provide poorer quality health services and have lower rates of customer satisfaction than not-for-profit health care providers.
Currently, both GHI and HIP are financially viable and provide quality health care services to New Yorkers. There is absolutely no reason to permit a conversion to not-for-profit status, particularly when for-profit health care providers have been proven to be worse for New Yorkers than not-for-profits. Comprehensive, quality, healthcare for all New Yorkers must be the primary goal of health care providers &ndash not the acquisition of profit. For all these reasons, I strongly oppose the conversion of GHI and HIP to the for-profit EmblemHealth.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my position on this important matter.
Sincerely, Thomas K. DuaneNew York State Senate29th District
Dear Superintendent Dinallo:
With the 2008 Legislative Session behind us, I understand the New York State Insurance Department will be continuing its consideration of the proposed conversion of GHI/HIP to the for-profit entity EmblemHealth, Inc. I am deeply concerned about the impact this conversion would have on many of my constituents and GHI/HIP members throughout New York State.
As you know, NY Insurance Law §7317(b) prohibits such a change in the status of not-for-profit health insurance entities to a for-profit company if the move would "adversely affect the applicant's contractholders or members," or "negatively impact on the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of the state of New York." I believe that this conversion will both negatively impact the provision of health care services to the people of New York, and, more specifically, will adversely affect those individuals who are currently enrolled in GHI and HIP's health plans.
All other states considering such conversions within the past five years &ndash Kansas, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland &ndash have rejected these plans. As with all other for-profit corporations, the foundational legal obligation of EmblemHealth will be to maximize profits for its shareholders. The pursuit of profit will therefore be the company's premiere priority, surpassing the provision of quality health care services to its members as the company's primary goal. This will inevitably lead to higher prices for health care consumers and the cutting of corners with respect to the quality of health care services. If EmblemHealth raises its rates, its competitors are likely to do so as well, and all New Yorkers will suffer. A number of studies have shown that for-profit health insurance companies provide poorer quality health services and have lower rates of customer satisfaction than not-for-profit health care providers.
Currently, both GHI and HIP are financially viable and provide quality health care services to New Yorkers. There is absolutely no reason to permit a conversion to not-for-profit status, particularly when for-profit health care providers have been proven to be worse for New Yorkers than not-for-profits. Comprehensive, quality, healthcare for all New Yorkers must be the primary goal of health care providers &ndash not the acquisition of profit. For all these reasons, I strongly oppose the conversion of GHI and HIP to the for-profit EmblemHealth.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my position on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Thomas K. DuaneNew York State Senate29th District
Monday, July 14, 2008
Marty Goodman Leads Charge to Cool Off Moblie Wash Rooms
In two weeks Marty Goodman did what the union could not for over a decade -- he got air conditioning for the Mobile Wash room at West 4th street.
Mr. Goodman, a three time executive board member of TWU Local 100 went directly to Howard Roberts, the President of the Transit Authority and made it clear that cleaners in Stations need and deserve air conditioning now in the summer.
After going through the very bureaucratic T.A. chain of command, Mr.Goodman said enough and on June 23rd, sent a letter directly to Mr. Roberts about the inhumane working conditions at West 4th street. As of this past weekend, a temporary AC has already been put in at the Mobile Wash room at West 4th St.
But this is not just about West 4th Street; you can go into any Mobile Wash room and you will see many rooms without basic amenities such as AC.
That is why, following several meetings with the members at West 4th Street an informational picket has been scheduled for 8:00 am this Wednesday, July 16th at 2 Broadway at the T.A. headquarters. We will picket until we get A/C in all Mobile Wash rooms.
But that is just a start: we will not stop our Take Back Our Union action approach in Stations until both the T.A. and the union stop treating us like second class employees and members. As the members of Stations prepare to take back our union, this victory for cleaners in Stations is the first step on a long road to dignity and respect.
Mr. Goodman, a three time executive board member of TWU Local 100 went directly to Howard Roberts, the President of the Transit Authority and made it clear that cleaners in Stations need and deserve air conditioning now in the summer.
After going through the very bureaucratic T.A. chain of command, Mr.Goodman said enough and on June 23rd, sent a letter directly to Mr. Roberts about the inhumane working conditions at West 4th street. As of this past weekend, a temporary AC has already been put in at the Mobile Wash room at West 4th St.
But this is not just about West 4th Street; you can go into any Mobile Wash room and you will see many rooms without basic amenities such as AC.
That is why, following several meetings with the members at West 4th Street an informational picket has been scheduled for 8:00 am this Wednesday, July 16th at 2 Broadway at the T.A. headquarters. We will picket until we get A/C in all Mobile Wash rooms.
But that is just a start: we will not stop our Take Back Our Union action approach in Stations until both the T.A. and the union stop treating us like second class employees and members. As the members of Stations prepare to take back our union, this victory for cleaners in Stations is the first step on a long road to dignity and respect.
Is Democracy Dead in TWU Local 100?
With the passing of the recent By-law amendments many feel that true Union Democracy is dead in Local 100. But if you carefully look at it, the Bylaw changes main function is to solidify the position of those already in power. While it does limit the members choices in things like conventions etc, it does not kill democracy in Local 100. It merely changes the playing field.
These Bylaw changes make Union-wide elections even more important than they once were. As it stands, the only way to really effect change in Local 100 is voting in Union-wide elections. If you don't like the job your Union reps are doing: vote them out. If you think they all stink: clean house.
In turn this makes being up to date on your Union dues crucial.
In order to vote, you must be paid up. In order to run for office you must be paid up for 12 months. If you are paid up, both back dues and current dues, you can shape the direction of the Union. Want better reps? Better contracts? Want to vote on the contract? Pay your Union dues.
Having some extra pocket change each month is great, but protecting your pension, your job and having a say in your next contract is even better.
These Bylaw changes make Union-wide elections even more important than they once were. As it stands, the only way to really effect change in Local 100 is voting in Union-wide elections. If you don't like the job your Union reps are doing: vote them out. If you think they all stink: clean house.
In turn this makes being up to date on your Union dues crucial.
In order to vote, you must be paid up. In order to run for office you must be paid up for 12 months. If you are paid up, both back dues and current dues, you can shape the direction of the Union. Want better reps? Better contracts? Want to vote on the contract? Pay your Union dues.
Having some extra pocket change each month is great, but protecting your pension, your job and having a say in your next contract is even better.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The Healthy,Wealthy and Wise Seminars Series Returns Wednesday July 9th
The Healthy,Wealthy and Wise seminar series returns Wednesday July 9th with both an A.M. and a P.M. session. The free workshops are designed specifically to help transit workers get their finances in order and to better prepare them for retirement. In these changing times of rising expenses, it is never to early to prepare for retirement. Thinking about buying a home, but think you cannot afford it? Don't know what type of life insurance is best for you and your family?Want to know about inside secrets on how to repair your credit? These are just some of the questions that you can have answered absolutely free of charge this summer on Wednesdays.
For those of you not familiar with this series, they are an ongoing series of workshops focusing on helping transit workers reach their individual health, finance and educational goals. The seminars were started by a small group of station members who were each experiencing their own financial challenges and hardships. We first approached the union with the idea of holding financial seminars at the union hall, and were told the union did not have the time or the resources to do these type of forums. We felt this information was so important and powerful we pooled what little resources we had and the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise seminar series was born.
Initially the main focus of these seminars had been finance; recently we have begun to hold seminars on health and wellness, including weight loss. We have also held joint educational forums with the UFT on the GHI/HIP merger, and will soon be covering our workers compensation and safety forums.
But don't take my word on the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise forums; listen to what your co-workers have to say about the workshops. Or better yet, take time out one Wednesday this summer to get your assets in order. These seminars will focus on the topic of finance every other Wednesday though out the summer, so don't be left out - come experience what every one in transit is talking about, and and get your assets in order. Transit workers have no excuse this summer not to get their financial house in order as Healthy Wealthy and Wise will be coming to all five boroughs, beginning Wednesday July 9th, at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre in Jamaica Queens, located at 176-03 Jamaica Avenue.
For those of you not familiar with this series, they are an ongoing series of workshops focusing on helping transit workers reach their individual health, finance and educational goals. The seminars were started by a small group of station members who were each experiencing their own financial challenges and hardships. We first approached the union with the idea of holding financial seminars at the union hall, and were told the union did not have the time or the resources to do these type of forums. We felt this information was so important and powerful we pooled what little resources we had and the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise seminar series was born.
Initially the main focus of these seminars had been finance; recently we have begun to hold seminars on health and wellness, including weight loss. We have also held joint educational forums with the UFT on the GHI/HIP merger, and will soon be covering our workers compensation and safety forums.
But don't take my word on the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise forums; listen to what your co-workers have to say about the workshops. Or better yet, take time out one Wednesday this summer to get your assets in order. These seminars will focus on the topic of finance every other Wednesday though out the summer, so don't be left out - come experience what every one in transit is talking about, and and get your assets in order. Transit workers have no excuse this summer not to get their financial house in order as Healthy Wealthy and Wise will be coming to all five boroughs, beginning Wednesday July 9th, at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre in Jamaica Queens, located at 176-03 Jamaica Avenue.
Vote No to By - Law Changes from Richard Rivera -CED
Executive Board Member -Tony Guishard says:
Screw the members; let them make their dues payments on their own like the rest of us.
Why should the shop committee help them out by collecting checks and forwarding the payments to the Union Hall?
Why would he say this?
Because him, Toussaint and Nelson Rivera don’t want you to pay your dues. They don’t want you to have a voice, vote and an opinion.
He even went as far to say that “allowing the members to vote on the by-law changes is just a courtesy. The E-Board should be making the decision alone, without the members input”.
PAY YOUR DUES SO YOU CAN VOTE!
THE BY-LAW CHANGES ARE A SCAM! VOTE NO
and help to Take Back Our Union from the Scam Artists. Tell ‘em to keep the dog tags
FYI from Richard Rivera Shop Steward Car Repair
Member in Good Standing
Screw the members; let them make their dues payments on their own like the rest of us.
Why should the shop committee help them out by collecting checks and forwarding the payments to the Union Hall?
Why would he say this?
Because him, Toussaint and Nelson Rivera don’t want you to pay your dues. They don’t want you to have a voice, vote and an opinion.
He even went as far to say that “allowing the members to vote on the by-law changes is just a courtesy. The E-Board should be making the decision alone, without the members input”.
PAY YOUR DUES SO YOU CAN VOTE!
THE BY-LAW CHANGES ARE A SCAM! VOTE NO
and help to Take Back Our Union from the Scam Artists. Tell ‘em to keep the dog tags
FYI from Richard Rivera Shop Steward Car Repair
Member in Good Standing
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