National Healthcare Day of Action

It’s now or never for healthcare reform, and the unions of the AFL-CIO are urging their members to participate in a National Healthcare Day of Action. “I encourage every APWU member to call their senators and congressmen and ask them to adopt a healthcare reform bill that will help working families,” APWU President William Burrus said.

Members are asked to make a call and urge their senator to support meaningful healthcare reform. We want reform that:

• Does not tax our benefits;
• Requires employers to pay their fair share, and
• Creates a national insurance exchange to help regulate the insurance industry.

To make the toll-free call, dial 877-3-AFL-CIO (1-877-323-5246). When you are connected, press 1, and you will be transferred to your senator’s office. After you place the call, hang up, and dial again. This time, press 2 to be connected to your House member.

The House and Senate have both passed reform bills, but now must reach agreement on a final bill that both chambers can agree on. A provision in the Senate bill, the excise tax on high-quality plans, would increase costs and reduce benefits for millions of postal and federal employees. Although it is often referred to as a tax on “Cadillac plans,” as written, the excise tax would eventually affect many “Chevy plans” — those held by millions of postal and federal employees.

“We are on verge of making history,” Burrus said. “Healthcare reform is a must, and we want the best possible bill.”

To read more about the differences between the House and Senate bill, click here.