Strike Update September 30, 2008

Strike Update - September 30, 2008

Thanks to all the members who have stepped forward and volunteered to keep the strike successful. Beyond picket duty, hundreds of members have logged in lots of volunteer hours behind the scenes -- in the strike kitchen, on phones, as picket captains, on the job search committees, as community resource reps, gathering and delivering fire wood, sorting and distributing strike checks, organizing barbecues, driving vans and the list goes on and on. You are the people who ensure every location runs smoothly and members are safely shuttled to the picket lines, kept warm on the lines with burn barrels, brought food during their picket duty and given the resources they need to survive a strike.

We all take it one day at a time. Union negotiators continue to tell the mediator we are ready to begin talks at a moment's notice once Boeing is ready to change their last, best and final offer, which you overwhelmingly rejected. We will continue to push to get Boeing back to the bargaining table.

COBRA Information
We received many phone calls today as members began receiving their COBRA packets from Boeing. The Union has put together a flyer and web page with useful information to help members determine when and if to elect COBRA coverage, click here to view. Remember: Members have 60 days from September 30th to decide to elect coverage and then 45 days from the date you elect coverage to make the first payment. When a member elects COBRA coverage any time during that 60 days, the coverage is retroactive to October 1st.

Information in the Boeing packet incorrectly stated you had to elect coverage by November 5th. Boeing indicated they are sending out a postcard to correct this error in their information packet.

Reservists & Guardsmen Medical Options
One of our members, who is an Air Force Reservist, had a message for fellow Reservists and Guardsman. He noted that Reservists and Guardsman have additional health care benefits options beyond COBRA because of their Reserve status. For more information, check out the following links. The health care plan is called: TRICARE Reserve Select www.tricare.osd.mil. For members living in the Northwest contact: TRICARE West Region Contractor. www.triwest.com. 1-888-874-9378

Other helpful links for Reservists and Guardsman are: Reserve Affairs www.defenselink.mil/ra and Guard Reserve Portal Https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/Guard-ReservePortal

Support on the Line
Governor Chris Gregoire again walked the picket line with our members -- today in Seattle. She has stopped by various lines throughout Puget Sound since our strike began and continues to pledge her support. Every day we have members from other Unions, community leaders and concerned citizens stopping by to show their support, drop off donations of food and other assistance.

Stay united, keep the picket lines strong, and we'll get a contract that addresses our issues.

In Solidarity,
Your Union Leadership