They will not let us go back to work while bargaining continues and their "final offer" is still just that. There has been a lot of misinformation about the situation. People in the public believe we just want a big raise. Believe me, that's not what this is about.
The thing I am trying desperately to wrap my head around is Melissa Tucker's statement in the most recent meeting that we shouldn't be concerned about the business. HUH? Since when? The company figures time is on their side, that they can sit back and watch us through the windows of the building and wait while we go without paychecks until we get desperate enough to accept what they're trying to force on us by locking us out. What a lot of the people who are salaried workers and management don't seem to understand is this - if we aren't there, a lot of THEM won't be needed anymore. A lot of their jobs are on the line just as much as ours are. And from what we've been hearing, things on "the inside" aren't going nearly as well as BCBS wants the public to believe. When/if we do go back, I hate to see the mess we will be responsible for cleaning up. As for other WNY area Unions, yes, we need them to support us. It's time for them to put their monies where their mouths are and step up and tell BCBS that if they don't do right by their Union Workers - they will no longer be their health insurer. BCBS needs to be hit in their wallet - that's the only thing that really matters to them in their precious culture of corporate greed - their only true "core value."

Another example of a company bragging about its relationship with the Union to make themselves look better. Then it comes time to bargain a fair contract and they turn their backs on their employees. I happen to agree with the brother Iron Worker from Iowa. If BCBS is your insurance carrier let them know you are prepared to switch insurance carriers the first chance you have unless they bargain a fair contract with its employees. This only the begining and it wont stop unless WE stop it.

When is the advertisement - "Proud to be the only union health insurance plan in WNY" -going to be taken down? It's an insult to every worker who has been dedicated to walking the protest line each and every day. And I'll THINK about picking up their COBRA when they THINK about mailing us our last checks!!!! Just another slap in the face from a bunch of bald-faced liars! And they have the nerve to preach about being compassionate? Only the employees truly know how "dedicated" they are to their members. The ONLY dedication comes from the hourlys!!!!! Their Jobs are next! (WNYLaborToday.com Editor's Note: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York has been a Front Page advertiser on Your Regional, On-Line Labor Newspaper for some time time. The company recently renewed its advertising commitment prior to its Lock-Out of nearly 400 of its Unionized Employees.)

Many people I have talked to would have the workers work for less money or stand aside so that people who are willing to work for less could. But here's the problem: the big issue with this contract is that they want to outsource the work out of the WNY area. That is Buffalo could lose 390 jobs. Seriously. 390 Union Workers -1,400 management and salaried, talk about top heavy. What I would give to hear how badly they are operating without the trained and experienced staff, the Indians as it were...

I think that with plenty of Union Business at the other carriers, it is clear that Unions shop for Health Insurance that is the best fit for them. Organized Labor is after all just as crafty and intelligent as any corporation. Therefore I would ask where is the "solidarity" with their OPEIU Union Brethren at BCBS? Shouldn't all Union business be with BCBS even if it is more expensive on occasion? As for the rally the other day, I call on Frank Messiah to donate any and all dollars he received from BCBS while serving on their board of directors to the OPEIU. I am certain that they could use the money. I am guessing that there is room to manuever on both sides in this case, so get it done. Let's remember that there is no such thing as "too big to fail" any more. If BCBS or any other carrier for that matter were to fail, the economic impact on WNY would be tremendous. There are also nearly three times as many salaried workers (not executives) than Union at BCBS. Hurting BCBS will also hurt them.

Blue Cross Blue Shield, this is the coverage we carry as Union Iron Workers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Every day the amount we pay all adds up towards $900 a month, which is ridiculous. I say, if they drop Unions, the Unions should drop them. Now, someone tell me why the Unions don't have they're own insurance company? It's our money. Tell you what - you send me your money and I'll be more than happy to jerk you around on every claim you send in until you get tired of talking and just pay it out of pocket.

How much profit is enough? Stop killing good local jobs!!!