Health care costs are out of control. Each year, union members pay more for their health care and get less in return. Since 2000, health care premiums for employment-based coverage have increased 87%. Unless we act now, health care costs will continue to rise and working families will continue to pay the price.

To tackle this problem head on, the Federation is sponsoring legislation health insurance rate regulation legislation (AB 1554 – Jones). The cost of health insurance is a black box, keeping purchasers in the dark about why their costs continue to rise at such a rapid pace and giving them no ability to fight increases. The state must play a more active role in reviewing the cost of health insurance and guaranteeing that prices are fair. This bill would give the state more control to review and regulate the rates that health insurers charge.

Over six million California workers, 40% of the state’s workforce, have no paid sick days. These workers are in the unenviable position of working while they are sick and exposing their coworkers to injury and illness. The paid sick days bill, AB 2716 – Ma would set a minimum standard for all employees to be eligible for a specified number of sick days.

BACKGROUND:

The California Labor Federation and its affiliates have been working to achieve real, affordable health care reform for California's working families for years. Unfortunately, Governor Schwarzenegger has a disappointing track record when it comes to health care. He has opposed four major health care reform bills in just as many years.

Reports and Presentations

The Working Uninsured: A Report From the Center on Policy Initiatives

Changes in Job-based Health Care: The impact on workers and unions (A Powerpoint presentation from UC Berkeley Labor Center)

Powerpoint presentation for members on union health care reform efforts

View the entire 2008 Legislative Agenda

Contacts

• Emily Clayton, Policy Coordinator (Healthcare)