Bargaining Update, Health Care Increases, FSU Statement

3/6/17

Dear Colleague,

The FSU has been busy.  Here’s an update:

► Bargaining Update:  Given the budget crisis, the administration has been unwilling to agree to proposals that cost money.  Hence they will not consider a research intensive semester for junior faculty and increased longevity pay.  They want many changes in the contract that you need to know about.  Please click here for more details.  

►Health Insurance Cost Increases:  Due to 241 written comments and raucous oral testimony from unions and towns, the health insurance commission (GIC) amended their recommendations but still increased your health insurance deductibles and premiums: 

•          The GIC did not overturn their decisions to increase the medical deductible from $300 individual/$900 family to $500 individual/$1,000 family and to implement a new pharmacy deductible of $100 individual/$200 family. Note – the Fallon deductible was increased to $550/$1,100.
•          The office visit co-pays for the Medicare plans will only be increased by $5 per visit instead of the originally proposed $10 increase.
•          Premiums unfortunately will also increase an average of 8.3%. More on this will follow. 

►The FSU Executive Committee Condemns President Trumps’ Executive Order (EO):  imposing a 90-day suspension of visas and other immigration benefits to all nationals of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. The FSU stands in solidarity with our members and students directly affected by the unjust and discriminatory EO and with all refugees and immigrants who have been negatively impacted and endangered.  For the complete statement, click here.            

Marlene Kim

FSU President