Compliance concerns
It has been reported on the last several Chief Steward calls that documents are being revised at an accelerated pace. This is especially true with the GNMM. Members should be certain they are using the most current documents with the correct effectivity.
IBT Safety Representatives Tour UAL SFO Base
On December 14th and 15th ; Lamont Byrd, IBT Director of IBT Health and Safety, Enjoli DeGrasse, Industrial Hygienist and Airline Division Representative Chris Moore did an extensive tour of the UAL SFO Base. The purpose of the tour was to provide the IBT Safety Representatives a good overview of the facility, the engineering controls in place to provide for a safe workplace and the availability and use of Personal Protective Equipment.
Among the complex range of work done at the base; the capability to perform numerous processes such as Flame Spraying, Painting, Composite Repair, Sheet Metal Repair, Machining, Welding, Plating and other services require members coming in contact with hazardous materials.
During the two day period the Safety Reps were able to speak to members in all of the work areas visited and get a good description of the job performed and the hazards involved.
“A very important part of our job as Teamsters is to strive to create safer work environment for our members,” said International Representative Chris Moore. “We are committed to working with our Brothers and Sisters at UAL continue to improve safety in their work place.”
The tour which also included Aircraft Overhaul was provided by Ground Safety Chairman Ralph Ortiz and Safety committee members Mike Valladares, Kasi Tkaczyk and Joseph Frisina.
A Clarification for the sub UA Mechanic Regarding Old IAM LTD Plans
The following was submitted by Daniel M. Johnston, Shop Steward Local 856/896 (SFO), regarding the old IAM LTD plan underwritten by Continental American Insurance Group:
This LTD provides coverage for the employee and has two (3) additional riders which could have been added at additional charges. These riders are:
Option 1- Dependent Accident rider
Option 2- Cancer rider
Option 3 Critical Illness rider
This insurance is no longer being offered to our members as a LTD plan because it was a group plan under the IAM. If you still have it, you’re coverage has continued if your premiums have been paid.
Any address changes, claims, cancellation or information concerning this plan needs to be addressed directly to the insurance company not thru UAL benefits. The contact phone number is:
Customer Service Center 1-800-433-3036 or
National Group Protection
1-800-344-9016
The United references for this plan on our pay check stubs use to be shown as DI ACC INS or Can Ins.
In May of this year the codes changed, because the different riders could be purchased as stand-alone policies for the IAM members still at UAL. The time when we purchased this coverage the only way to get the riders was if you purchased the LTD. The plans we have are considered “grandfathered”. Since UAL changed their payroll system in September to (PeopleSoft) there has been many issues, including with these LTD plans. Now you may see each independent policy or coverage shown. The ONLY ones you will see payments on will be LTD-CAIC, Critical >Illness Ins CAIC and Can Ins CAIC. The Accident Insurance CAIC will show no payment but, under the “grandfathered” plans is included in the LTD-CAIC payment.
Our members should call the insurance company to verify their coverage is still in good standing, since we can’t get this coverage again if our policy lapses. I recommend calling the National Group Protect first at 1-800-344-9016, since I was informed they are well versed in the issue we are having at UAL. Then you can call Continental American Insurance Group at Customer Service Center 1-800-433-3036 also if you wish.
Note: If you look at you profile benefits summary in Skynet (Employee Services, Benefits)under LTD and this is the only LTD you have it will state you have no LTD, even though payroll deductions are being made.
Airline Division attends 986/856 craft meetings
Airline Division Representatives Clacy Griswold and Bob Fisher attended craft meetings last week in San Bruno, CA. Members attending were encouraged to vote on the TA and to pass the word that with the volume of mail during the holiday season they should vote soon.
Happy Holidays from the Airline Division
The Airline Division would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!