UFCW, FTQ compare notes to protect Group Insurance: a union advantage

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Montreal – July 4, 2013 – UFCW Canada leaders and activists in the Montreal area recently took part in a training seminar organized in collaboration with the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec, or FTQ (Québec Federation of Labour). The seminar, called "Comprendre pour agir en assurances collectives” (From Awareness to Action in Group Insurance), was facilitated by Anouk Collet, UFCW Canada national representative, who also sits on the FTQ Education Committee, and Marie-Josée Naud from the FTQ Education Department.

Since group insurance costs are constantly on the rise, this is increasingly becoming a crucial issue at the bargaining table. An aging population, the introduction of new drugs and their high cost, particularly in Quebec, are some of the factors that contribute to the cost increase. As a result, this seminar was created so that those who negotiate such benefits can better understand how they work and raise awareness of this reality among the membership.

Moreover, Louis Bolduc, executive assistant to the national president, opened the seminar by reminding all attendees of the importance of focusing on our group insurance plans so that we can hold on to them, in light of the recent attacks directed against our retirement plans. "Group insurance plans have been negotiated so as to collectively share the financial risk of unforeseen events and provide financial security for our members in such situations. We must remind them of the importance of this role", he added.