To: All 1014 members:

For the past five months 1014 has been negotiating as a member of the 12 unions Coalition of County Unions over our collective fringe benefit package with County. The fringe contract is scheduled to end September 30, and a settlement has not yet been reached. However, the County is mailing out the annual Choices packages to Coalition members now for October selections.

When you receive your Choices package at your home, County will be asking you to select various benefit coverages that will include your life insurance, dental insurance, and your all-important health insurance. As of Wednesday, September 27, Kaiser will be raising its rates for represented (non-management) personnel by over 15% while County’s current offer to the Coalition is markedly below that. The 1014 insurance plan will be raising its rates by 6.49%.

The coalition has rejected Kaiser’s unjustified rate increase for represented personnel, and has also rejected County’s 10% contribution increase. County has responded by declaring impasse. Where this is headed no one can be certain at this time, but we want our members to be aware of this unresolved situation as they make their selections in Choices.

There is no guarantee that if the situation changes there will be a re-enrollment period later. Everyone will need to make their selections based upon what information they have at the time, including what we are telling you now.

As always, 1014 is committed to securing the best benefit package possible for our membership. We appreciate your support and patience as we work towards that end.

The 1014 Executive Board