UWUA American Water Workers Picket for Health Benefits
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After working until 3 a.m. Wednesday to repair a broken waterline along North Grant Avenue, the five Pennsylvania American Water employees based in Kittanning took to the streets after work on Wednesday to hand out fliers. "We want everyone to know that we are not on strike, but we want people to understand how unfair it is for the company executives to be raking in such huge salaries, while at the same time, increasing our health care rates by more than 50 percent," said Mike Fleming, union steward for the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 537. The union staged informational pickets in 11 states where it represents 2,500 American Water workers to draw attention to a 52 percent increase in their health-insurance payments this year. About 20 people took part in the local protest, Mr. Olek said. The utility issued a statement saying health care costs are up this year for all American Water employees and that the union members have seen very small increases in their payments over the last five years because of contract language. "So, 2011 is the year where the payroll contribution catches up," the statement said. "American Water has modified its medical plans for all employees, union and nonunion alike." American Water, the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility, reported third-quarter income of $124 million on revenue of $787 million. Read more: Water utility workers picket for health benefits - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/leadertimes/news/s_719004.html#ixzz1C0atI860 Read more: Union protests health care cost - Citizen's Voice |
