Health Benefits

[Unregistered456123]

Has anyone heard anything going on as far as people moving foward trying to get back the Benefits that were TAKEN from married county employees?

[cwatheonlyway]

Has anyone heard anything going on as far as people moving foward trying to get back the Benefits that were TAKEN from married county employees?

Sign a card and vote cwa, that is the only way that can happen.

[No one cares :(]

Has anyone heard anything going on as far as people moving foward trying to get back the Benefits that were TAKEN from married county employees?

No one cares about us - we're lucky to have jobs, remember? :(

[UnregisteredL00ker]

you are no get to work you greedy moron.

[UnregisteredLooker]

Has anyone heard anything going on as far as people moving foward trying to get back the Benefits that were TAKEN from married county employees?


awwww. tuff tiddy!

[Unregistered456123]

you are no get to work you greedy moron.


Maybe you should learn how to complete a sentence before you call anyone a moron

[Unregistered666555444999]

Has anyone heard anything going on as far as people moving foward trying to get back the Benefits that were TAKEN from married county employees?

You have one policy instead of two. Are you kidding? You are still covered by EMHP. You people are just out of control. All you do is want want want.

No wonder we all hate you county employees.

[Unregistered456123]

You have one policy instead of two. Are you kidding? You are still covered by EMHP. You people are just out of control. All you do is want want want.

No wonder we all hate you county employees.

No we just want the benefits we were hired with! Nothing more. I'm sure if it happened to you you would be feeling the same way!

[Need Change !]

Has anyone heard anything going on as far as people moving foward trying to get back the Benefits that were TAKEN from married county employees?

Why don't you call your union maybe they can get it back for you......oh sorry I forgot-the union gave it away already, didn't they ask you if it was OK to give away your dual coverage ? Why don't you call that self serving bitch, she talks an open door policy. I'm not necessarily a CWA supporter, I just know that if she is left to finish her term she will continue to give away the store. Whatever it takes to get her out must be done including decertifying.
The main problem with this so called union we have now is that there is no one watching the president and they are to easily corrupted. Its happened in the past with Bender and Berkowski, Pryor was no bargain either. The point is that without oversight they can't help but become full of themselves and then become gluttons and then bought and paid for ! Go on call them,

[Unregistered456123]

Why don't you call your union maybe they can get it back for you......oh sorry I forgot-the union gave it away already, didn't they ask you if it was OK to give away your dual coverage ? Why don't you call that self serving bitch, she talks an open door policy. I'm not necessarily a CWA supporter, I just know that if she is left to finish her term she will continue to give away the store. Whatever it takes to get her out must be done including decertifying.
The main problem with this so called union we have now is that there is no one watching the president and they are to easily corrupted. Its happened in the past with Bender and Berkowski, Pryor was no bargain either. The point is that without oversight they can't help but become full of themselves and then become gluttons and then bought and paid for ! Go on call them,
Not sticking up for anyone but they ALL gave it away, every unionhead signed off on it. It seems they are all the same. And their open door policies are appparently glued shut!

[Unregistered741258]

Has anyone heard anything going on as far as people moving foward trying to get back the Benefits that were TAKEN from married county employees?

Are you also someone who lost health insurance just because you are married to someone who also works for the County? I found out this morning about a meeting with an attorney regarding a class action suit to regain health benefits. The attorney won't charge us a dime unless we receive monetary reparation. You just have to email: reclaimyourbenefits@yahoo.com to RSVP and your names to the list. The meeting will be held on November 18, 2009 at the Islip Terrace Fire Department, 264 Beaverdam Road, Islip Terrace. The meeting time is 7:00 p.m. The attorney is from the Law Office of Frederick K. Brewington. The fire house is between Carleton Avenue and Irish Lane, south of Southern State Parkway and north of Sunrise Highway. If you know of anyone else who lost their health insurance, please pass the information on to them.

[Zap!]

Not sticking up for anyone but they ALL gave it away, every unionhead signed off on it. It seems they are all the same. And their open door policies are appparently glued shut!

I am so tired of hearing that excuse - that all the unions signed off on the health insurance. ONLY AME is accountable to us. OUR union sold us out. Don't care about the others. Just AME!

And what about deferred payroll? Did all the other unions also sign off on that before WE, the AME members, got zapped? NO!!!

[Want want want?]

You have one policy instead of two. Are you kidding? You are still covered by EMHP. You people are just out of control. All you do is want want want.

No wonder we all hate you county employees.

However much money the loss of my benefit is saving county, that's how much of a paycut I've received (in addition to two-weeks salary loss for EACH of us this year) since my benefit package is part of my salary according to my employment contract.

[Unregistered6666]

However much money the loss of my benefit is saving county, that's how much of a paycut I've received (in addition to two-weeks salary loss for EACH of us this year) since my benefit package is part of my salary according to my employment contract.

You were lagged. Look at it as a forced 401 savings plan. You'll leave the county with the money at that rate rather than at the rate you are now. That is a no brainer that no one should be complaining about. County employees were going to give back no matter what. Be happy it was a lag and not a furlough where you lose all the money.

Please - find something else to gripe about when people are losing their jobs, homes, etc. Not just getting "lagged" -

County employees all you do is complain.

[Unregistered1234]

Are you also someone who lost health insurance just because you are married to someone who also works for the County? I found out this morning about a meeting with an attorney regarding a class action suit to regain health benefits. The attorney won't charge us a dime unless we receive monetary reparation. You just have to email: reclaimyourbenefits@yahoo.com to RSVP and your names to the list. The meeting will be held on November 18, 2009 at the Islip Terrace Fire Department, 264 Beaverdam Road, Islip Terrace. The meeting time is 7:00 p.m. The attorney is from the Law Office of Frederick K. Brewington. The fire house is between Carleton Avenue and Irish Lane, south of Southern State Parkway and north of Sunrise Highway. If you know of anyone else who lost their health insurance, please pass the information on to them.

I wouldn't trust this for a second. No attorney worth his salt would put up a 'yahoo email address'. It's probably CWA trying to get more people to "join them".

[Unregistered66666]

No we just want the benefits we were hired with! Nothing more. I'm sure if it happened to you you would be feeling the same way!

You do have benefits; better than most. You didn't 'lose' anything.

STOP COMPLAINING - All you people do is gripe

Maybe you should be let go and see how you fare then.

[Unregistered987654]

I wouldn't trust this for a second. No attorney worth his salt would put up a 'yahoo email address'. It's probably CWA trying to get more people to "join them".

Think what you want. This has nothing to do with CWA. Until you know what you are writing about, try not to write.

Those of you who lost your benefits, and yes you lost your benefits, the meeting is the real deal.

[Unregisteredidiot]

You were lagged. Look at it as a forced 401 savings plan. You'll leave the county with the money at that rate rather than at the rate you are now. That is a no brainer that no one should be complaining about. County employees were going to give back no matter what. Be happy it was a lag and not a furlough where you lose all the money.

Please - find something else to gripe about when people are losing their jobs, homes, etc. Not just getting "lagged" -

County employees all you do is complain.

your an idiot, that is not a SAVINGS PLAN. If I recived that money I could put it in an intrest bearing account and make more money, which is what the county is doing with that money, making more money WITH OUR MONEY FOR THEMSELFS, NOT US!!!

[Whomever U R]

I wouldn't trust this for a second. No attorney worth his salt would put up a 'yahoo email address'. It's probably CWA trying to get more people to "join them".

That's very funny. I was thinking it was AME. For all we know, it could be the attorney himself - trying to scam us all. Why would someone put up a post like this and not identify himself/herself? They want our names, but they won't give theirs. Something fishy there!!

I don't know what's going on, but I'm still believing it's AME's style.

[CWA all the way!]

your an idiot, that is not a SAVINGS PLAN. If I recived that money I could put it in an intrest bearing account and make more money, which is what the county is doing with that money, making more money WITH OUR MONEY FOR THEMSELFS, NOT US!!!

Remember, Cheryl says they are "EXTRA PAYCHECKS". And you know AME doesn't lie to us. I gladly gave up my health insurance too. Whatever else they want from me, it's theirs. So let's stay with AME. Our sick leave time upon retirement is the next to go. Can't wait! So glad I've never abused it and have hundreds of hours to donate back. Benefits...... who needs them, anyway!

[Unregistered987654]

That's very funny. I was thinking it was AME. For all we know, it could be the attorney himself - trying to scam us all. Why would someone put up a post like this and not identify himself/herself? They want our names, but they won't give theirs. Something fishy there!!

I don't know what's going on, but I'm still believing it's AME's style.

Get hold of yourself, stop with the paronoia. It's all true, there is a meeting, it has nothing to do with AME or CWA. It is set up for an attorney to come and speak with people who had their BENEFITS taken from them.

[Yes, Paranoid Now]

Get hold of yourself, stop with the paronoia. It's all true, there is a meeting, it has nothing to do with AME or CWA. It is set up for an attorney to come and speak with people who had their BENEFITS taken from them.

I'm sure you have good intent. But why must we give our names before we can attend the meeting? How much are the legal fees going to be. In a class action suit, wouldn't everyone get their benefits back if the case is won, whether or not the are part of the suit? Where are we supposed to get this money from? It's not as if we're going to be winning money and then attorney takes his cut out of that. I need all my money to keep up my household - and holidays are coming.

And, yes, paranoid is a good observation. Or maybe just leary. When AME gets these names, you can bet they'll turn more of our coworkers against us. If filing with Human Rights didn't work, what makes you think this will?

[Antigone]

I'm sure you have good intent. But why must we give our names before we can attend the meeting? How much are the legal fees going to be. In a class action suit, wouldn't everyone get their benefits back if the case is won, whether or not the are part of the suit? Where are we supposed to get this money from? It's not as if we're going to be winning money and then attorney takes his cut out of that. I need all my money to keep up my household - and holidays are coming.

And, yes, paranoid is a good observation. Or maybe just leary. When AME gets these names, you can bet they'll turn more of our coworkers against us. If filing with Human Rights didn't work, what makes you think this will?

From what I am told , filing with Human Rights is the correct way to go but it takes a very long time to get a ruling. Like over 2 years. So I guess trying another avenue like Fred K. Brewington is the smart way to go. Tell, me is CWA willing to help get our benefits back?

[Unregistered987456]

I'm sure you have good intent. But why must we give our names before we can attend the meeting? How much are the legal fees going to be. In a class action suit, wouldn't everyone get their benefits back if the case is won, whether or not the are part of the suit? Where are we supposed to get this money from? It's not as if we're going to be winning money and then attorney takes his cut out of that. I need all my money to keep up my household - and holidays are coming.

And, yes, paranoid is a good observation. Or maybe just leary. When AME gets these names, you can bet they'll turn more of our coworkers against us. If filing with Human Rights didn't work, what makes you think this will?

Please don't be paranoid this time. There is NO cost! And AME gets NOTHING!

[Would Be Nice]

From what I am told , filing with Human Rights is the correct way to go but it takes a very long time to get a ruling. Like over 2 years. So I guess trying another avenue like Fred K. Brewington is the smart way to go. Tell, me is CWA willing to help get our benefits back?

I don't know the answer to that, but I would imagine that they'd have to put it on the table at the negotiation for a new contract. I can't imagine it to be an easy task getting something back once it's gone. But if anyone can do it, I have faith in CWA.

Human Rights did respond. They said the give-back of our health insurance was not discriminatory by their definition.

[Unregistered987456]

I don't know the answer to that, but I would imagine that they'd have to put it on the table at the negotiation for a new contract. I can't imagine it to be an easy task getting something back once it's gone. But if anyone can do it, I have faith in CWA.

Human Rights did respond. They said the give-back of our health insurance was not discriminatory by their definition.

That is true about the Human Rights decision. However they only people that were contacted during the course of their investigation were the respondents. The complaintants were not even able to add information that was discovered after the fact. They should have done their job properly and they would have discovered the discriminatory issues.

[Unregistered147963]

I'm sure you have good intent. But why must we give our names before we can attend the meeting? How much are the legal fees going to be. In a class action suit, wouldn't everyone get their benefits back if the case is won, whether or not the are part of the suit? Where are we supposed to get this money from? It's not as if we're going to be winning money and then attorney takes his cut out of that. I need all my money to keep up my household - and holidays are coming.

And, yes, paranoid is a good observation. Or maybe just leary. When AME gets these names, you can bet they'll turn more of our coworkers against us. If filing with Human Rights didn't work, what makes you think this will?

If an attorney is taking this case and gets paid only if we win (suing for damages and restitution) do you think he would take the case if there wasn't a great chance of winning? I think not!

[Hear me out.]

Not sticking up for anyone but they ALL gave it away, every unionhead signed off on it. It seems they are all the same. And their open door policies are appparently glued shut!

Who was the first with the deferred payroll. Did all the unions agree on that it was taken from US. No. So don't go using that excuse.

I can't have insurance in my name because me husband has it. Then we should I defer my pay, since my husband's deferring his. Why should I have to pay dues if my husband's paying it? Why do you have a health insurance policy if I can't have it? My benefits are part of my salary. Cheryl says the benefit is worth $15,000. So give me a few dollars for giving up my insurance - the buyback plan like we used to have - like the PBA "STILL" has. Now THERE'S a strong union. AME is useless to us. If we don't vote in CWA, you can count on a long list of give-backs.

[Simple question]

If an attorney is taking this case and gets paid only if we win (suing for damages and restitution) do you think he would take the case if there wasn't a great chance of winning? I think not!

I just want to know why we have to email our names to an unknown party before we can attend the meeting.

[Unregistered456987]

I just want to know why we have to email our names to an unknown party before we can attend the meeting.


It is to get a head count and to know who is coming. As someone wrote before they don't want AME getting a list. I'm sure the people running this meeting don't want people who aren't affected by this issue to be at the meeting.

[Unregistered159753]

Who was the first with the deferred payroll. Did all the unions agree on that it was taken from US. No. So don't go using that excuse.

I can't have insurance in my name because me husband has it. Then we should I defer my pay, since my husband's deferring his. Why should I have to pay dues if my husband's paying it? Why do you have a health insurance policy if I can't have it? My benefits are part of my salary. Cheryl says the benefit is worth $15,000. So give me a few dollars for giving up my insurance - the buyback plan like we used to have - like the PBA "STILL" has. Now THERE'S a strong union. AME is useless to us. If we don't vote in CWA, you can count on a long list of give-backs.

You forgot.....why are we paying 2 sets of union dues

[Fired up enough!]

You forgot.....why are we paying 2 sets of union dues

That's right. And I have to fight my husband for the AME mail, because we only get one mailing for the two of us. I don't want to miss a single thing AME has to say, you know. LOL

[no secret]

It is to get a head count and to know who is coming. As someone wrote before they don't want AME getting a list. I'm sure the people running this meeting don't want people who aren't affected by this issue to be at the meeting.

AME knows who we are - Cheryl's the chairperson for the EMHP committee.

[Unregistered159753]

AME knows who we are - Cheryl's the chairperson for the EMHP committee.

She knows who benefits were taken, yes this is true, so what. ALL of the union presidents know who in their union lost their benefits, they voted on the removal.

[huh??]

She knows who benefits were taken, yes this is true, so what. ALL of the union presidents know who in their union lost their benefits, they voted on the removal.

I was answering the person who said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered456987
It is to get a head count and to know who is coming. As someone wrote before they don't want AME getting a list. I'm sure the people running this meeting don't want people who aren't affected by this issue to be at the meeting.

[Unregistered452256]

Are you also someone who lost health insurance just because you are married to someone who also works for the County? I found out this morning about a meeting with an attorney regarding a class action suit to regain health benefits. The attorney won't charge us a dime unless we receive monetary reparation. You just have to email: reclaimyourbenefits@yahoo.com to RSVP and your names to the list. The meeting will be held on November 18, 2009 at the Islip Terrace Fire Department, 264 Beaverdam Road, Islip Terrace. The meeting time is 7:00 p.m. The attorney is from the Law Office of Frederick K. Brewington. The fire house is between Carleton Avenue and Irish Lane, south of Southern State Parkway and north of Sunrise Highway. If you know of anyone else who lost their health insurance, please pass the information on to them.

I just emailed my info and asked a couple of questions and recieved a response with answers promptly.

[Can u tell us?]

I just emailed my info and asked a couple of questions and recieved a response with answers promptly.

What were the questions/answers?

[Unregistered452256]

What were the questions/answers?

If all county employees retired and still working could be part of the class action suit? Answer Yes.
Could other issues be brought up, like the problem with medicare eligible retirees and their still working spouses each getting their own individual coverage. Answer Yes

[The Skeptic In The Crowd]

If all county employees retired and still working could be part of the class action suit? Answer Yes.
Could other issues be brought up, like the problem with medicare eligible retirees and their still working spouses each getting their own individual coverage. Answer Yes

I'd check for the answer of your second question with Employee Benefits 853-4866. It has nothing to do with the class action suit.

My concern is, since we would be seeking reinstatement of benefit (not seeking monatary compensation) what has the attorney to gain? Why would he be doing this gratis? Not trying to be cynical, but I was taught that if something sounds too good to be true - it usually is.

[Unregistere147963]

I'd check for the answer of your second question with Employee Benefits 853-4866. It has nothing to do with the class action suit.

My concern is, since we would be seeking reinstatement of benefit (not seeking monatary compensation) what has the attorney to gain? Why would he be doing this gratis? Not trying to be cynical, but I was taught that if something sounds too good to be true - it usually is.

Who said anything about NOT seeking monatary compensation?

[Instead of...]

...allow the members of this union to investigate their concerns/questions with an attorney and maybe or maybe not they have a case....

Stop trying to stop people from even investigating whether or not they have a legitimate claim.....what's it to all the people that are speaking out against this meeting & website?

If this matter doesn't effect you then you have nothing to lose....

If this matter effects you then you might have something to gain....

People have the right to pursue legal action if they believe it will benefit them & they have a case....they don't know if they have a case until they speak with a lawyer....and from what I hear the Law Office of Fred Brewington is well-respected & well-known & I doubt he will take the honest, hard-working, married members of this union on a wild goose chase....

And ask your own questions & pursue your own answers...too many people in this union sit at their desks & don't take action, don't attend meetings, & don't ask questions, but then expect to kept abreast of every development, issue, & answer - & handed to them on a silver platter.....Get Off Your Duff!!

[Unregistere147963]

...allow the members of this union to investigate their concerns/questions with an attorney and maybe or maybe not they have a case....

Stop trying to stop people from even investigating whether or not they have a legitimate claim.....what's it to all the people that are speaking out against this meeting & website?

If this matter doesn't effect you then you have nothing to lose....

If this matter effects you then you might have something to gain....

People have the right to pursue legal action if they believe it will benefit them & they have a case....they don't know if they have a case until they speak with a lawyer....and from what I hear the Law Office of Fred Brewington is well-respected & well-known & I doubt he will take the honest, hard-working, married members of this union on a wild goose chase....

And ask your own questions & pursue your own answers...too many people in this union sit at their desks & don't take action, don't attend meetings, & don't ask questions, but then expect to kept abreast of every development, issue, & answer - & handed to them on a silver platter.....Get Off Your Duff!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT WAS A WONDERFUL STATEMENT.

AND MAY I ADD....... TO THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS AND FEEL THE NEED TO MAKE NEGATIVE COMMENTS........JUST THINK IF THIS AFFECTED YOU (SOMEDAY SOMETHING MAY BE TAKEN FROM YOU) YOU WOULD WANT SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT TOO!

[reluctancy explained]

...allow the members of this union to investigate their concerns/questions with an attorney and maybe or maybe not they have a case....

Stop trying to stop people from even investigating whether or not they have a legitimate claim.....what's it to all the people that are speaking out against this meeting & website?

If this matter doesn't effect you then you have nothing to lose....

If this matter effects you then you might have something to gain....

People have the right to pursue legal action if they believe it will benefit them & they have a case....they don't know if they have a case until they speak with a lawyer....and from what I hear the Law Office of Fred Brewington is well-respected & well-known & I doubt he will take the honest, hard-working, married members of this union on a wild goose chase....

And ask your own questions & pursue your own answers...too many people in this union sit at their desks & don't take action, don't attend meetings, & don't ask questions, but then expect to kept abreast of every development, issue, & answer - & handed to them on a silver platter.....Get Off Your Duff!!

You can't blame people for being shell shocked. We've been to hell and back with AME. After being cheated, threatened and lied to, it's hard to trust anyone any one associated with the county any more. That's the sad reality of it all.

I understand that someone, though not identifying his or herself, stated that we had to give our name in order to be allowed to attend the meeting. That immediately put up a red flag for some us of.

I'm not looking for that silver platter. And I'm definately not sitting on my duff, as you say. So don't be so quick to judge. I'm one affected by the dual enrollment issue. I also fear the same will be done for the Benefit Fund. And then what? There's no stopping AME. The solution is to vote in CWA and then negotiate all the lost benefits back.

[Then what you do...]

You can't blame people for being shell shocked. We've been to hell and back with AME. After being cheated, threatened and lied to, it's hard to trust anyone any one associated with the county any more. That's the sad reality of it all.

I understand that someone, though not identifying his or herself, stated that we had to give our name in order to be allowed to attend the meeting. That immediately put up a red flag for some us of.

I'm not looking for that silver platter. And I'm definately not sitting on my duff, as you say. So don't be so quick to judge. I'm one affected by the dual enrollment issue. I also fear the same will be done for the Benefit Fund. And then what? There's no stopping AME. The solution is to vote in CWA and then negotiate all the lost benefits back.

...is contact the Law Office of Fred Brewington directly (you can get the phone number via google or 411) & ask if this is legit without given your name...

[Information4U]

Law Office of Fred Brewington
50 CLINTON ST
HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550-4281 (map)
Phone:(516) 489-6959

Just give the details of the information advertised (date, time & location of meeting) and ask if it's legit & ask for the person's name that you speak with & write it down for your records...I hope this helps....

[Unregistered147963]

You can't blame people for being shell shocked. We've been to hell and back with AME. After being cheated, threatened and lied to, it's hard to trust anyone any one associated with the county any more. That's the sad reality of it all.

I understand that someone, though not identifying his or herself, stated that we had to give our name in order to be allowed to attend the meeting. That immediately put up a red flag for some us of.

I'm not looking for that silver platter. And I'm definately not sitting on my duff, as you say. So don't be so quick to judge. I'm one affected by the dual enrollment issue. I also fear the same will be done for the Benefit Fund. And then what? There's no stopping AME. The solution is to vote in CWA and then negotiate all the lost benefits back.

Keep in mind that this matter is not ONLY an AME employee issue! There are hundreds of other employees from other unions affected by this, so voting in CWA may help the AME members, or not, but this is an issue that includes all unions. So all those affected need to join together. none of our unions will help us, they voted to take it from us!

[PBA/SOA]

Keep in mind that this matter is not ONLY an AME employee issue! There are hundreds of other employees from other unions affected by this, so voting in CWA may help the AME members, or not, but this is an issue that includes all unions. So all those affected need to join together. none of our unions will help us, they voted to take it from us!

They should bring back the BuyBack option. Cost-saving to the County, beneficial to the married couples. A win/win situation. Why are the Police still allowed to have it? Maybe because they have strong unions?

[Empty Chairs]

They should bring back the BuyBack option. Cost-saving to the County, beneficial to the married couples. A win/win situation. Why are the Police still allowed to have it? Maybe because they have strong unions?

Are you kidding, " Why are the Police still allowed to have it" Where have you been? The Police have a real union with BALLS. They don't roll over and give up instantly like that so called union president we are stuck with.... FOR NOW!! CWA is on the way !!!

[Unregistered147456]

They should bring back the BuyBack option. Cost-saving to the County, beneficial to the married couples. A win/win situation. Why are the Police still allowed to have it? Maybe because they have strong unions?

To my knowledge only a handful of PD employees get the buyback option. I believe it has something to do with the year you were hired, (1980 something)
and I believe it will only work if both employees are Police Officers and hired on or before that date. Currently there are many married police couples where one spouse lost their benefits!

[SOA/PBA]

Are you kidding, " Why are the Police still allowed to have it" Where have you been? The Police have a real union with BALLS. They don't roll over and give up instantly like that so called union president we are stuck with.... FOR NOW!! CWA is on the way !!!

Yes, THAT'S THE POINT I WAS TRYING TO MAKE!

[Vote for CWA]

To my knowledge only a handful of PD employees get the buyback option. I believe it has something to do with the year you were hired, (1980 something)
and I believe it will only work if both employees are Police Officers and hired on or before that date. Currently there are many married police couples where one spouse lost their benefits!

The point is..... I had Buy Back years ago under AME. I was FORCED to take my health insurance back when we went self-insured because the county no longer had to "pay a premium". An ironic turn of events, now, AME agrees (without notification to me) to have them taken away with no buy back option. Important point is that AME never notified me of this - I had to read about it on an AEM sent by Levy's office. To this day, I have never received a formal notification of termination of benefits. That's a violation of the COBRA Law.

Why give benefits to domestic partners and take it away from the workers? We're not required by law to do that. So, give me, say, $2,000 for giving up what AME estimates to be a $15,000 benefit. Then, county happy, ame happy, employee appeased.. end of story. As if that wasn't bad enough, there was no consideration for couples who work for suffolk county who EACH have to defer 2 weeks salary.

My househould pays double dues to AME ........ for what? No right to vote on issues, lies and threats from the entity that is supposed to look out for my interests, no voice - and then to have learned of all the perks AME receives, all the wasteful spending, never available to answer phone calls..... the list goes on and on.

[Unregistered 147256]

The point is..... I had Buy Back years ago under AME. I was FORCED to take my health insurance back when we went self-insured because the county no longer had to "pay a premium". An ironic turn of events, now, AME agrees (without notification to me) to have them taken away with no buy back option. Important point is that AME never notified me of this - I had to read about it on an AEM sent by Levy's office. To this day, I have never received a formal notification of termination of benefits. That's a violation of the COBRA Law.

Why give benefits to domestic partners and take it away from the workers? We're not required by law to do that. So, give me, say, $2,000 for giving up what AME estimates to be a $15,000 benefit. Then, county happy, ame happy, employee appeased.. end of story. As if that wasn't bad enough, there was no consideration for couples who work for suffolk county who EACH have to defer 2 weeks salary.

My househould pays double dues to AME ........ for what? No right to vote on issues, lies and threats from the entity that is supposed to look out for my interests, no voice - and then to have learned of all the perks AME receives, all the wasteful spending, never available to answer phone calls..... the list goes on and on.

Hope you are going to the meeting

[Unregisteredyouarecorrect]

...allow the members of this union to investigate their concerns/questions with an attorney and maybe or maybe not they have a case....

Stop trying to stop people from even investigating whether or not they have a legitimate claim.....what's it to all the people that are speaking out against this meeting & website?

If this matter doesn't effect you then you have nothing to lose....

If this matter effects you then you might have something to gain....

People have the right to pursue legal action if they believe it will benefit them & they have a case....they don't know if they have a case until they speak with a lawyer....and from what I hear the Law Office of Fred Brewington is well-respected & well-known & I doubt he will take the honest, hard-working, married members of this union on a wild goose chase....

And ask your own questions & pursue your own answers...too many people in this union sit at their desks & don't take action, don't attend meetings, & don't ask questions, but then expect to kept abreast of every development, issue, & answer - & handed to them on a silver platter.....Get Off Your Duff!!

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No further explaination needed.

[Unregisteredhqs]

Has anyone heard anything going on as far as people moving foward trying to get back the Benefits that were TAKEN from married county employees?

This will not happen. Why would the County give this cost saver back? And don't believe the CWA will get it back either.

This was a cross the board give back by all 11 union presidents. Won't happen.

[Information4you]

That is true about the Human Rights decision. However they only people that were contacted during the course of their investigation were the respondents. The complaintants were not even able to add information that was discovered after the fact. They should have done their job properly and they would have discovered the discriminatory issues.

Sometimes there is more than one avenue that an aggrieved party can pursue...and there are benefits or limitations of attorneys or agencies depending on which you pursue..

the fact that the Human Rights commission issued a decision - and from what you say without all the issues - doesn't prevent anyone from pursuing a civil case...there are a different set of requirements for each

Another example - in a criminal case you need evidence beyond a reasonal doubt, but in a civil case you need a preponderance of the evidence...

Message: pursue all available options to you & go prepared with questions written down, and tell the 2nd, or 3rd attorney or agency what the other agencies/attorneys told you previously & bring documentation if you have it...

If after all this you're led to believe you have recourse & want to pursue it that is your choice and don't let anyone criticize you for it...

And the fact that our health benefits were changed without our input - without a buyback option - and then to find out about from our employer and not our own elected union officers who voted on it - is a slap in all of our faces - married couples or not.

It further fueled the loss of respect & trust in our elected union officers & so much has happened since then to do the same......

And saying it was a collective decision by all the SCOPE unions is not an excuse for AME not telling their members before they voted & getting their members input....I'm not in the other SCOPE unions so I don't know how they handled it with their members so I'm not going to criticize them...

We need only concern ourselves with how our union officers are treating us...

[information4you]

the Human Rights Commission deals solely with the issue of discrimination & it seems to me based on what people are posting that there is another issue here besides discrimination so it's appropriate for people to seek private counsel with experience in these matters...

[Unregistered147963]

Sometimes there is more than one avenue that an aggrieved party can pursue...and there are benefits or limitations of attorneys or agencies depending on which you pursue..

the fact that the Human Rights commission issued a decision - and from what you say without all the issues - doesn't prevent anyone from pursuing a civil case...there are a different set of requirements for each

Another example - in a criminal case you need evidence beyond a reasonal doubt, but in a civil case you need a preponderance of the evidence...

Message: pursue all available options to you & go prepared with questions written down, and tell the 2nd, or 3rd attorney or agency what the other agencies/attorneys told you previously & bring documentation if you have it...

If after all this you're led to believe you have recourse & want to pursue it that is your choice and don't let anyone criticize you for it...

And the fact that our health benefits were changed without our input - without a buyback option - and then to find out about from our employer and not our own elected union officers who voted on it - is a slap in all of our faces - married couples or not.

It further fueled the loss of respect & trust in our elected union officers & so much has happened since then to do the same......

And saying it was a collective decision by all the SCOPE unions is not an excuse for AME not telling their members before they voted & getting their members input....I'm not in the other SCOPE unions so I don't know how they handled it with their members so I'm not going to criticize them...

We need only concern ourselves with how our union officers are treating us...

I hope you are attending the meeting! You make great points!
As for the other unions on the scope board, I can tell you that AME is not the only union who did not discuss this with their members. POA did not share this information either. I dare to say that if you ask any member of any of the unions, none of their members were informed.

[Unregistered147963]

the Human Rights Commission deals solely with the issue of discrimination & it seems to me based on what people are posting that there is another issue here besides discrimination so it's appropriate for people to seek private counsel with experience in these matters...


Your words are correct

[Accountable]

This will not happen. Why would the County give this cost saver back? And don't believe the CWA will get it back either.

This was a cross the board give back by all 11 union presidents. Won't happen.

Across the board? Like the deferred payroll? LOL
Wake Up!! Only AME has to be accountable to us. And they're not cutting it!

[Good points, but....]

I hope you are attending the meeting! You make great points!
As for the other unions on the scope board, I can tell you that AME is not the only union who did not discuss this with their members. POA did not share this information either. I dare to say that if you ask any member of any of the unions, none of their members were informed.

Only AME is accountable to us. And they have let the membership down.

[Unregistered147963]

I am hearing some things about big changes in the retirees benefits as of Jan 2009, the same time some county employees lost their health benefits. Is it true that the unions (SCOPE) also changed the benefits of people who had already retired from the county?

[GoToTheSource4Info]

I am hearing some things about big changes in the retirees benefits as of Jan 2009, the same time some county employees lost their health benefits. Is it true that the unions (SCOPE) also changed the benefits of people who had already retired from the county?

That question should be answered by calling Employee Benefits @ 853-4866. You don't want to depend on this blog to give you accurate information.

[Retiree Friend]

That question should be answered by calling Employee Benefits @ 853-4866. You don't want to depend on this blog to give you accurate information.

When you call Employee Benefits,you will find out that all Medicare eligible retirees also lost their coordination of benefits, as did the married county employees. They now pay the full copay. When you are Medicare Prime, the cost to EMHP is nominal,since Medicare picks up the bulk of the costs. This was clearly a punitive action, not a big cost saver.
It's also 7 years since we have received a Benefits Explanation Book & with all the changes that have happened over the last several years, we are at the mercy of Empire BC/BS & you are at the mercy of the "clerk of the day" as to what your bill will be.

[Unregistered147963]

When you call Employee Benefits,you will find out that all Medicare eligible retirees also lost their coordination of benefits, as did the married county employees. They now pay the full copay. When you are Medicare Prime, the cost to EMHP is nominal,since Medicare picks up the bulk of the costs. This was clearly a punitive action, not a big cost saver.
It's also 7 years since we have received a Benefits Explanation Book & with all the changes that have happened over the last several years, we are at the mercy of Empire BC/BS & you are at the mercy of the "clerk of the day" as to what your bill will be.


Is emhp no longer paying co-pays for all retirees, not just the ones who lost coordination of benefits? And is the Scope board (unions) supposed to be removing benefits from people who have already left the county with certain beneifts given to them at the time of retirement?

[Go2theSource]

When you call Employee Benefits,you will find out that all Medicare eligible retirees also lost their coordination of benefits, as did the married county employees. They now pay the full copay. When you are Medicare Prime, the cost to EMHP is nominal,since Medicare picks up the bulk of the costs. This was clearly a punitive action, not a big cost saver.
It's also 7 years since we have received a Benefits Explanation Book & with all the changes that have happened over the last several years, we are at the mercy of Empire BC/BS & you are at the mercy of the "clerk of the day" as to what your bill will be.

You have a good point about the booklet. It's riduclous to have that little booklet with all the AEM's tucked everywhere. When I need to find something specific, it takes forever - and then I have to wonder if I've misplaced any AEM's.

Maybe we should all call or write (Employee Benefits 853-4866) to ask when a new booklet will finally be available to us? If enough of us complain, maybe we'll be heard. I think a loose-leaf format should be used so that pages can be interchanged as the plan changes.

[Retirement]

Is emhp no longer paying co-pays for all retirees, not just the ones who lost coordination of benefits? And is the Scope board (unions) supposed to be removing benefits from people who have already left the county with certain beneifts given to them at the time of retirement?

Because under AME, what you see is not necessarily what you get. Our Association has not thought to include a guarantee clause in our contract that you retain benefits AT ALL after retirement.

[Unregistered147456]

You have a good point about the booklet. It's riduclous to have that little booklet with all the AEM's tucked everywhere. When I need to find something specific, it takes forever - and then I have to wonder if I've misplaced any AEM's.

Maybe we should all call or write (Employee Benefits 853-4866) to ask when a new booklet will finally be available to us? If enough of us complain, maybe we'll be heard. I think a loose-leaf format should be used so that pages can be interchanged as the plan changes.



I CALLED...................." THEY ARE WORKING ON IT" but for now they suggest using the 2002 VYTRA book. Comical ain't it

[comical? no!]

I CALLED...................." THEY ARE WORKING ON IT" but for now they suggest using the 2002 VYTRA book. Comical ain't it

Working on it? They're still saying that? That book is as worthless as...... say, our AME contract!

[UnregisteredMeeting]

Are you also someone who lost health insurance just because you are married to someone who also works for the County? I found out this morning about a meeting with an attorney regarding a class action suit to regain health benefits. The attorney won't charge us a dime unless we receive monetary reparation. You just have to email: reclaimyourbenefits@yahoo.com to RSVP and your names to the list. The meeting will be held on November 18, 2009 at the Islip Terrace Fire Department, 264 Beaverdam Road, Islip Terrace. The meeting time is 7:00 p.m. The attorney is from the Law Office of Frederick K. Brewington. The fire house is between Carleton Avenue and Irish Lane, south of Southern State Parkway and north of Sunrise Highway. If you know of anyone else who lost their health insurance, please pass the information on to them.

Sickness in family-we weren't able to attend. How did it go? When will you meet again?

[Unregistered147963]

Sickness in family-we weren't able to attend. How did it go? When will you meet again?

The meeting was better than expected. Lots of info, will probably meet again, but things will be moving quickly. Quicker than most expected!

[More Breaking News]

All this information is available to the public at the NYS Commission on Public Integrity website (www.nyintegrity.org )

SCAME is paying Peter Meringolo $54,996 a year for his lobbying firm the Meringolo Group...

Peter meringolo is paying Randi Delirod, the SCAME public relations director, $60,000 a year as his lobbyist....

So Meringolo is working for free, and Delirod is pocketing $54,996 of SCAME members dues....

SCAME is the only client the Meringolo Group has besides Peter Meringolo's own union.....

Meringolo is the only client that Delirod has....

Our old lobbyist - Bolton-St.John's - has 100 clients & more clout...

You can view the written contracts & all financial disclosures @ the website

[Me Bad]

All this information is available to the public at the NYS Commission on Public Integrity website (www.nyintegrity.org )

SCAME is paying Peter Meringolo $54,996 a year for his lobbying firm the Meringolo Group...

Peter meringolo is paying Randi Delirod, the SCAME public relations director, $60,000 a year as his lobbyist....

So Meringolo is working for free, and Delirod is pocketing $54,996 of SCAME members dues....

SCAME is the only client the Meringolo Group has besides Peter Meringolo's own union.....

Meringolo is the only client that Delirod has....

Our old lobbyist - Bolton-St.John's - has 100 clients & more clout...

You can view the written contracts & all financial disclosures @ the website

The financial reports on Randi Delirod are $5000 every 2 months, not every month - making her yearly salary with Meringolo $30,000 not $60,000...

So Meringolo gets $24,996 per year and $30,000 in SCAME dues goes to a paid SCAME employee on top of her SCAME salary...

The contract between Randi Delirod the "Lobbyist" & Peter Meringolo & the Meringolo Group, the "client" does not disclose the fact that Delirod is a paid SCAME employee...

It was a math error on my part - please check www.nyintegrity.org to check the facts yourself.