Frontier Bargaining Report #50

9/21/22

Dedicated Members,

The Union and company met today in a joint session.  Due to newly acquired information concerning Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and contract negotiations with a number of the health networks in Texas (Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern) providers, the Union compiled an extensive request for information and stated the company has been bargaining in bad faith for not informing us of this while still engaging in Healthcare proposals and counters.  We also discussed trademarks and how possible violations of it and how the ramifications may affect our members.

The negotiations between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Texas Health Resources (THR) and UT Southwestern (UTSW) and other networks could result in the doctors and hospitals we currently use being considered Out of Network on October 4, 2022.  This would drive costs up for the members astronomically if they are unable to come to a new agreement.  Simply put, but with huge impact, your doctor may no longer be an IN-NETWORK provider but will become an OUT-OF-NETWORK provider. What this means for you and your family, currently an employee only annual deductable is $525 in network and out of network is $750. Employee plus 1 or more is $1312.50 in network and $1875 for out of network. Out of pocket annual maximums are $1500 for in network for employee only and $2,000/ for out of network employee 1 or more is $3750 in network and out of network is $5000.Furthermore, you may have to change your doctor to stay In Network. Please call your HR Rep and have them tell you if your provider is at risk. BCBS is basically trying to get healthcare cheaper for Frontier all the while asking you to pay more.

Under these and other circumstances beyond the Union's control, the Union Bargaining Committee has determined we cannot, in good faith, continue negotiating healthcare benefits for our members until some assurances can be made.  Therefore, we believe it is in the best interest of the members to extend the negotiations for a third time.  The extension period will be from Friday, September 23rd, to 11:59 pm Friday, October 14th. At this time we will not be turning in our trucks, keys or badges or computers. Business as usual during this extension. OUR FIGHT IS NOT OVER!!! Continue to work to the rule, and send in the pics of shoddy contractor work.

Please continue to watch for mobilization efforts.

Have King Jeffery explain to you on Yammer how he let Anthem BCBS put you and your family's health at risk. These are questions only the company can answer concerning this new development.

In Unity,
Your Bargaining Committee 

CD/cmt
opeiu#13