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CLEAR Temp: 51 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Wednesday, February 5, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend January 21, 2003 Jacksonville workers to join Teamsters Increased charges for deductibles, co-pays, hospitalization and prescriptions pushed employees to opt for the union’s cheaper benefit package By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — Seeking better rates on medical insurance and a strong ally in contract negotiations, city employees voted eight to two to join Teamsters Union No. 223 late last week. City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen said insurance rates increased by 20 percent in 2002. The city’s $590 a month cap on insurance benefits was not covering the costs, particularly for employees with large families. Increased charges for deductibles, co-pays, hospitalization and prescriptions pushed the employees toward the Teamsters’ cheaper benefit package. "We recognize this was primarily a medical insurance issue. Increasing deductions to lower premium costs created a tough decision for the employees," said Wyntergreen. Employees vote annually on medical plans. But with a small employee pool, they said their choices were limited. Public works employee Doug Templer, who is now acting as union steward, said the decision is "a step in the right direction." Templer said the Teamsters offer a comprehensive health-care package at $555 a month with a $100 per person deductible and a better co-pay package. Even with the addition of $32 a month in union dues, Templer feels the package will reduce his family’s insurance costs overall. "The union controls the costs because they have a handle on their funds," said Templer. "They are better able to control their prices." Templer also said he feels a certain level of reassurance in having union representation in employee-employer negotiations. "I’ve been told the union will keep them (the city) on the straight and narrow. It’s reassuring," said Templer. Wyntergreen said the union will add "another layer" in terms of personnel matters. "There is another party being introduced into the relationship between the city and its employees," said Wyntergreen. "It will be a big learning curve for me. I’ve never dealt with a union before and neither has the city." Wayne Botta, labor representative for local 223, said the next step will be for the city to formulate a contract with the Teamsters Union. "We’ll be writing a complete contract covering grievance processes, negotiating wages and covering wages and working conditions," said Botta. Botta said the employees will continue working under "status quo" conditions until the contract is completed and agreed to by both parties. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S