Click here to download a PDF of this update to distribute at your facility or on your picket line.

ATI management recently mailed a letter to the homes of all of locked-out Steelworkers who are currently covered under the company’s program of insurance benefits stating that they will terminate our health insurance coverage effective November 30, 2015.  The USW is disappointed that ATI is choosing to further escalate its attack on its employees and we are reviewing all legal options.

If ATI cancels our health insurance on November 30^th, union members and families will have several options continuing healthcare coverage during the lockout.  No locked-out member or dependent will go without health insurance or have any lapse in coverage.

Each local union is appointing a healthcare coordinator to coordinate enrollment in the USW Emergency Medical Program and provide information to members on health insurance coverage options for the duration of the lockout.  Those coordinators will be receiving training from healthcare experts from the union on November 10^th and will be available to assist you in signing up for insurance and provide you with information on other options for coverage.  If ATI intends to move forward with its irresponsible and illegal plan to terminate our health insurance coverage, sign-ups for the USW emergency medical program will begin in the last two weeks of November. 

There is plenty of time to explore options and sign up for coverage so you do not need to take any action right now. After the November 10^th training, your local union will be providing information on signing up for the USW Emergency Medical Program and other options for health insurance. In the mean time, you may want to take a look at the information on benefits and healthcare coverage options that was distributed at the beginning of the lockout.  That document is online at: Http://usw.to/ATIQuestions.

We realize that this is a stressful and uncertain time for everyone and that health insurance coverage is a major concern for many members and families.  The USW has a tried and tested program for assisting members involved in strikes and lockouts in providing healthcare coverage for their families and we will ensure that everyone has access to healthcare coverage. Stay strong, stay safe, and together we will win a fair contract.