Roofers' Union Seeks Repeal/Reform Of Affordable Care Act

Cites Loss of Benefits to Members; Harm to Industry and Multi-employer Health Plans

News Release from United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers April 16, 2013

United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers International President Kinsey M. Robinson issued the following statement today calling for a repeal or complete reform of President Obama's Affordable Care Act (ACA):

"Our Union and its members have supported President Obama and his Administration for both of his terms in office.

But regrettably, our concerns over certain provisions in the ACA have not been addressed, or in some instances, totally ignored. In the rush to achieve its passage, many of the Act's provisions were not fully conceived, resulting in unintended consequences that are inconsistent with the promise that those who were satisfied with their employer sponsored coverage could keep it.

These provisions jeopardize our multi-employer health plans, have the potential to cause a loss of work for our members, create an unfair bidding advantage for those contractors who do not provide health coverage to their workers, and in the worst case, may cause our members and their families to lose the benefits they currently enjoy as participants in multi-employer health plans.

For decades, our multi-employer health and welfare plans have provided the necessary medical coverage for our members and their families to protect them in times of illness and medical needs.  This collaboration between labor and management has been a model of success that should be emulated rather than ignored.  I refuse to remain silent, or idly watch as the ACA destroys those protections.

I am therefore calling for repeal or complete reform of the Affordable Care Act to protect our employers, our industry, and our most important asset: our members and their families."

The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, based in Washington, D.C., has 22,000 members participating in 9 regional district councils across the United States

www.unionroofers.com

Hawaii Local Roofers Union