A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR UNION BENEFITS! SAVING MONEY FOR MY FAMILY IS IMPORTANT DETAILS INSIDE.

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1 TRADES ALLI ED PR I NTING N E W UNION LABEL COUNCIL Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR MEMBERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SAVING MONEY FOR MY FAMILY IS IMPORTANT DETAILS INSIDE KNOW ABOUT YOUR UNION BENEFITS! Created by: Joelle Sano Y O R K 506

2 A Reference Guide for Members Everything You Need to Know About Your Union Benefits By Joelle Sano Inspired by Michael Goodwin President Office and Professional Employees International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC 2009 Office and Professional Employees International Union

3 HIGHLIGHTS OF BENEFITS Specially provided benefits include: Discount Dental Program (p. 14) Discount Optical (p. 14) A $6,000 death benefit (p. 16) A $6,000 accidental death and dismemberment benefit (p. 16) A $300 disability benefit (p. 16) A Defensive Driving Course (p. 22) Auto Insurance Discount (p. 22) Scholarships (p. 29) Working Advantage Discounts (various pages) ID Theft Protection (p. 42)

4 CONTENTS Types of Benefits 1 OPEIU Local 153 members are eligible for ALL of these benefits! 1 Chapter 1: Auto Benefits 2 Buying a New or Used Car Renting a Car Service/Repairs Discounts Chapter 2: Computer, Phone and Internet Benefits 4 Dell Computers AT&T Wireless Discounts Chapter 3: Money and Credit 5 Credit Card Credit Counseling Financial Advisement and Tax Preparation Union Made Checks Chapter 4: Food/Drink Restaurant Discounts 8 Restaurants.com Gift Certificates Gourmet Foods Local Restaurant Discounts Chapter 5: Flowers 13 Chapter 6: Health and Well Being 14 HealthClub/Gym Discounts Dental Savings Vision Savings Prescription Card Savings Chapter 7: Death and Disability Benefits 16 Death Benefit Accidental Death Benefit Disability Benefit Chapter 8: House and Home 17 Home Buying Discounts and Benefits Discounts on New Furniture Moving Storage Home Heating System & Fuel Discounts Chapter 9: Insurance Benefits/Discounts 22 Accident Insurance Auto Insurance Pet Insurance Chapter 10: Legal Services 25 Legal Consultation

5 Chapter 11: Education Services 28 Student Scholarships College Planning Center Powell s Bookstore Chapter 12: Pet Services 33 Pet Insurance Chapter 13: Recreation and Entertainment 34 Movie Tickets Theater/Show Tickets Movie Rentals Sports & Recreation Zoos Theme/Waterpark Tickets Chapter 14: Shopping 37 Online Shopping Clothing Chapter 15: Travel 39 Hotels/Lodging Tours/Vacations Cruise Discounts Theme/Amusement Park Tickets Travel Centers City Passes Transportation (Rental Cars, Train Tickets Airfare) Great Adventure Chapter 16: Chapter 17: UnionPlus Retirement Planning 41 ID Theft Protection 42

6 TYPES OF BENEFITS: There are many benefits and services available to OPEIU Local 153 members that are briefly explained in this guide. It is organized by the discounted product/service the benefit provides; such as food discounts, health care savings, and automobile discounts. The levels of discounts available to you are outlined below for your information. OPEIU Local 153 members are eligible for ALL of these benefits! Union Plus The AFL-CIO provides these benefits. Many discounts and deals are offered from discounted car rentals to college scholarships. For general information visit unionplus.org Working Advantage Discounts The AFL-CIO provides these benefits. These benefits span from savings on theme park tickets to online shopping discounts. For general information, visit workingadvantage.com. When registering use company ID Local 153 Benefits Local 153 provides these benefits. These benefits range from group auto insurance deals to dental care discounts. Please be advised that the benefit information referred to in this manual was current at the time of its publication but is subject to change without notice. For up-to-the minute benefit and eligibility information, please log on to the vendors website stated in this manual. In addition, please be aware that new benefits are being negotiated on a regular basis. Please watch for benefit enhancements and improvements in the Local 153 News. 1

7 CHAPTER 1 AUTO BENEFITS Benefits in This Chapter Discounts when purchasing a new or used car Discounts when renting a car Towing/Service Calls Service/Repairs discount Auto Insurance Automobile benefits are available for members for everything from buying a new car to getting your car washed or serviced. These benefits and others are outlined below. 1. Purchasing a New or Used Car *Union Plus Auto Buying Discount Includes purchases of new and used cars, RVs, boats, motorcycles, commercial, and agricultural vehicles. Through the program, Local 153 members will receive pre-negotiated, best-market pricing on new or used vehicles (cars, trucks, commercial, agricultural, RVs, boats, motorcycles, etc.) without having to negotiate with the dealer. A personal Vehicle Advisor will assist members throughout the entire buying or leasing process, from selection to final delivery. Program Features Pre-negotiated fleet pricing on most new vehicles purchased or leased through the program, typically 2 to 3 percent over dealer invoice. Used vehicle pricing at 4 percent over the cost of the vehicle at auction plus dealer preparation. Assistance from the program s Vehicle Advisors throughout the process. How the Program Works Before visiting a dealer, please contact Vehicle Advantage at: vehicleadvantage.com or call When requested, please refer to Group ID number RU-502. The program helps members save by using pre-negotiated fleet pricing for new and used vehicles at dealers across the country. Once the member submits a vehicle order form, the Vehicle Advisor assists the member in selecting a new or used vehicle and options. The Vehicle Advisor will then locate the vehicle at a dealer in the member s area and negotiate a price based on fleet pricing for new vehicles and at near auction cost for used vehicles. The dealer signs a contract agreeing to the price and the Vehicle Advisor reports the pre-negotiated price to the member. Once the details are acceptable to the member, the Vehicle Advisor sets up a mutually agreeable delivery appointment between the member and the dealer. The member goes to the dealership and inspects and test drives the vehicle and the transaction and delivery is completed. If the member decides not to purchase that vehicle, they may start the process again with the Vehicle Advisor. While the program can provide an excellent value for a vast majority of members, it may not appear to provide the lowest price for those members who want to take the time to haggle from dealer to dealer. Also, some vehicles may be in such demand that they require premium pricing. However, even for buyers who make car buying a sport, the program can provide an excellent price point to start from. 2. Auto Insurance Huge Savings for Local 153 members! (Please see pages 22-24) 2

8 3. Renting a Car Union members enjoy up to 25% in savings with rental car discounts from Union Plus and the discount car rental providers: Alamo Rent a Car, Avis Rent a Car, Budget Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Hertz Rental Car and National Car Rental. Whether it s a car, van, SUV or truck rental, working families can get good rental car deals and drive in style for less. Discount rental car rates and savings vary depending on the type of car or vehicle, time of year, location and length of car rental reservation. *Alamo Car Rental (reference contract I.D. # ) *Avis Car Rental (reference union I.D. # B723700) *Budget Car Rental (reference union I.D. # V816100) *Enterprise Car Rental *Hertz Car Rental (reference union I.D. # ) *National Car Rental (reference contract I.D. # ) TIP! Instant Savings: Calling or ordering your rental cars online in advance also means you pay less than at the counter and you can upgrade to a better car for only a couple bucks. When you order online, you can also print out your rental car reservation confirmation for your records and to reference when you pick up your car from the Avis or Budget Car Rental location. TIP! Union members can also choose to use their Union Plus Credit Card (see page 13) when they make their reservations for Avis, Budget or Hertz rental cars and automatically get the discount. 4. Service/Repairs/Local 153 s Free Towing/Service Benefit Local 153 members are entitled to the use free of charge up to two towing/service calls per year, per household, valued at up to $100 each. This benefit applies to all Local 153 members, as well as family members living in the same household. The program is provided through Nation Safe Drivers (NSD), and it began in October, 2010, when all Local 153 members received in their home mail a membership key card, number and producer code. To use the program, just use your convenient key card! If you joined Local 153 after October, 2010, if you lost your key card or if you would just like more information about the free towing service benefit, call n 3

9 CHAPTER 2 COMPUTER, PHONE AND INTERNET BENEFITS Benefits in this Chapter Dell Computers Cell Phones-AT&T Wireless Telephone- Union Voice Broadband Telephone Service Internet-Union Plus.net 1. Dell Computers The Union Plus Computers & Tech Program, in conjunction with Dell, now offers 10%-30% discount to union members on selected products purchased through Dell. For more information visit unionplus.org/computers To browse Dell selections online and order, visit dell.com. Or contact a sales rep by calling TIP! -When ordering online and over the phone, you must reference member ID: PS AT&T Wireless Discounts Union members can receive a special 15% discount on service from AT&T Wireless, the only wireless company that can, and does, proclaim that it is Proud to Be Union. The 15% discount is available off the regular monthly rate for any AT&T individual or family plan. Only unionized wireless service company Proud to be Union 15% discount off regular monthly rate for all AT&T wireless individual or family plans* The 15% discount includes plans for the new iphone 4 Union member-only savings on AT&T cell phones and cell phone accessories available online Unique labor union member advocate program that helps you with AT&T wireless customer service and reference FAN number: Note!!!! Current AT&T customers will need to renew their contract to be eligible for the discount. For more information call ( ) or visit unionplus.org/att-wireless.cfm. Please be advised that the benefit information referred to in this manual was current at the time of its publication but is subject to change without notice. For up-to-the minute benefit and eligibility information, please log on to the vendors website stated in this manual. In addition, please be aware that new benefits are being negotiated on a regular basis. Please watch for benefit enhancements and improvements in the Local 153 News. 4

10 CHAPTER 3 MONEY AND CREDIT Benefits in this Chapter Credit Card Credit Counseling Financial Advisement & Tax Preparation Union Made Checks 1. Credit card Union members have the benefit of the Union Plus Credit Card from HSBC Card Services, designed exclusively for working families. To apply for this card or for more information, visit unionpluscard.com Some of the benefits of this credit card include: No annual fee Scholarship program Exclusive member rates and benefits Free additional cards Money-saving balance transfer offers Money-saving discounts 100% protection against fraud Strike-payment protection Grace period on new purchases Skip-payment options Extended warranty Triple Plus Service The Union Plus Credit Card Promises excellent customer service including: All customer service calls answered by representatives in the United States. 24-hour personal customer service by phone or online Member advocates - staffed by fellow union members help members with issues such as charge disputes. Merchant dispute assistance. Manage your Union Plus Credit Card account, view statements or even pay your bill online. Safety Net The card also offers a special safety net for disabled workers and others facing financial hardship and a unique union benefits for laid off workers or workers on strike. For workers on strike: Strike skip-payment plan available to members of most unions during union-sanctioned strikes or lockouts of 30 consecutive days or more, as long as the account is in good standing. (Finance charges continue to accrue, but no penalty fees apply.) You can skip up to three consecutive months in a row, and a total of four months in a year. To access the benefit: Call to discuss your situation with a customer care representative. You must make a payment after the third consecutive strike skip month and then you can access the fourth skip month. During each skip-payment month, you must notify the bank that the strike is going on and that you intend to exercise the strike skip-payment option. For laid off workers: Skip up to two monthly payments a year, as long as the account is in good standing. (Finance charges continue to accrue, but no penalty fees apply.) To access the benefit: Call during each month you want to skip a payment. You must notify 5

11 the bank you want to skip a payment, unless it is offered to you on your statement. The Union Plus Credit Card Program has expanded the safety net designed to assist union member cardholders facing financial hardship. With unique protections like these designed especially for working Americans, Union Plus offers a credit card unlike any other available to union members. Other Safety Net features include: Lifeline Trust: Assists members who experience a significant loss of income due to a long-term illness or prolonged disability.* Disaster Relief Fund: Helps members affected by a natural disaster Secured credit card: Helps build and repair credit. (See Special Section) Free credit counseling: Helps members get control of their finances and develop a budget Consumer credit education: Helps members understand and manage borrowing, spending and credit 2. Credit Counseling The Union Plus Credit Counseling program was designed exclusively for union members and their families. The program helps members learn more effective ways to manage money and also ways to save for the future. Free Initial Counseling Session Union Plus Credit Counseling program will provide members with a free one-hour initial counseling session. During that session members will receive: A complete financial review and budget analysis Advice on how to work with creditors A written action plan with timelines for reaching their goals Referrals to appropriate organizations/programs that may be able to help them (if needed) Debt Management Plan (DMP) If members need additional assistance, a counselor will work with them to develop a DMP to reduce their debt liabilities. For a small fee, MMI will negotiate with the member s creditors on their behalf, disburse the member s funds to creditors on their behalf, and work with creditors to stop the collection calls. Members will receive a 33 percent union-member-only discount off the initiation fee. Financial Help They Can Trust For over 46 years, Money Management International (MMI) and its family of Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agencies have helped consumers nationwide by providing high quality, comprehensive credit counseling, education and debt management assistance. MMI is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA). The certified credit counselors at MMI are available to help members get through their maze of financial challenges 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. 3. Financial Advisement & Tax Preparation Union Plus authors several ndiscount programs from time to time regarding tax preparation. Members should remember at tax time to visit the Union Plus website to see what services and discounts are available. The Union Plus website is unionplus.org. 6

12 4. Union Made Checks Members can show their union pride with every check they write. The competitively priced union-printed checks feature a pro-union message in addition to your union s logo Plus you can customize with photos of your children or pets. You can also order convenient return-address labels with a similar design. Union-made personal checks: 200 one-part checks starting at $9.95 (plus shipping & handling) Union-made business checks: Available in single-page laser & 3-to-a-page ledger styles. Return-address labels: 240 count = $10.95 (plus shipping & handling) For ordering information, call or Print and fill out an order form at unionplus.org/moneycredit/union-made-checks If using the order form obtained on-line, after completing the form mail it along with the following items to: The Union Shop P.O. Box 9867 Baltimore, MD Check or money-order payment for checks and/or return-address stickers A voided check from your current checkbook (to provide proper account numbers) Allow three weeks for delivery Please be advised that the benefit information referred to in this manual was current at the time of its publication but is subject to change without notice. For up-to-the minute benefit and eligibility information, please log on to the vendors website stated in this manual. In addition, please be aware that new benefits are being negotiated on a regular basis. Please watch for benefit enhancements and improvements in the Local 153 News. 7

13 CHAPTER 4 FOOD AND DRINK/RESTAURANTS DISCOUNTS Benefits in this Chapter Restaurants.com Gift Certificates Gourmet Foods Local Restaurants 1. Restaurants.com-Working Advantage Benefit Restaurants.com has gift certificates for restaurants all over the country! Union members can save up to 65% off certificates at Restaurants.com. Purchase these discounted gift cards online and use them at hundreds of restaurants all over the country! There are over 1000 participating restaurants nationwide! Buy a $25 Gift Certificate for any of these restaurants for only $10!!! 2. Gift Certificates for National Chain Restaurants Working Advantage also offers discounts and free shipping on gift certificates for several national chain restaurants. These can be purchased at workingadvantage.com by clicking on gift certificates under the heading GIFTS on the left side of the screen. In order to purchase you will need to register with the website. You will be asked for your Corporate Member ID number which is: Some of the restaurants offering discounted gift certificates through Working Advantage include: Buca di Beppo Gift Card: Free Shipping Chili s Grill & Bar Gift Card: Free Shipping Bonanza Steakhouse Gift Card: Free Shipping Bertucci s Gift Card: Free Shipping Applebee s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Gift Card: Free Shipping Uno Chicago Grill Gift Card: Save 10% The Panera Card from Panera Bread : Free Shipping T.G.I Friday s Gift Card: Free Shipping Starbucks Card: Free Shipping Steak and Ale Gift Card: Free Shipping Smokey Bones Gift Card: Free Shipping Romano s Macaroni Grill Gift Card: Free Shipping Red Lobster Gift Card: Free Shipping Ponderosa Steakhouse Gift Card: Free Shipping Olive Garden Gift Card: Free Shipping On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Gift Card: Free Shipping McCormick & Schmick s Gift Card: Free Shipping Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub Gift Card: Free Shipping O Charley s Gift Card: Free Shipping LongHorn Steakhouse Gift Card: Free Shipping Legal Sea Foods Gift Certificate: Free Shipping 3. Gourmet Food/Gift Baskets workingadvantage.com offers discounts on many online food websites, specializing in gift baskets and meal preparation. 8

14 To purchase or for more information visit workingadvantage.com and click on Food under the title Shopping Partners on the left side of the screen. Some of these discounts include: Boca Java - Gourmet Coffee, Tea and Cocoa 20% off, Free shipping on $40 BuyCostumes.com Save 10% on $40+, BOGO Sexy Costume 25% off BuyWithMe.com Save up to 90% in Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, San Diego or Washington D.C. Cambridge Soundworks Free shipping Cherry Moon Farms 15% on Gourmet Gifts & Baskets $24.99+, Halloween Treats are in! Coca-Cola Store Free shipping over $40 Coffee For Less 5% off any order, Free shipping on $50+ Cooking.com Save up to $40, Free shipping on $99+ Corso s Cookies 10% off, Halloween goodies are here Costume Express 10% off $50 Dancing Deer Baking Co. 15% off cakes, cookies & more, $10 off $ David s Cookies 13% off your order ediets 25% off an online plan Entertainment Book - local discounts Free Restaurant.comCertificate Fannie May Fine Chocolates $10 off $50+, Free Gift Flavia - The Café of Choice Free shipping on $75+ Gevalia Coffee Save up to 25% GourmetGiftBaskets.com $10 off $80, $5 off $40, 20% Off Coffee and Chocolate Baskets Hammacher Schlemmer Free shipping on $100+ Harry & David 20% off orders $50+, Great for Halloween treats High Plains Bison - Burgers, Steaks & More Free shipping on all orders Kansas City Steak Company $4.95 Shipping Kmart $5 off $50+, $15 off $100+, 10% off select items, Save on shoes, EXTRA 10% off LEGO + Fisherprice 9

15 KOHL S 20% off w/kohls Charge, 15% off $100+ Lenox Free Soup Bowl + Free Shipping on $75 on up Lobster Gram Save up to 35%! Lobsters Online 5% off $50+ Mighty Leaf Tea 25% off, Free Shipping Mrs. Beasley s 15% off your order, Free $20 GC w/ $130+ order, free shipping on select gifts My M&M S $5 off $50+, $15 off $99+, Buy 3 get 1 free + more MyWinesDirect.com Up to 15% off + free shipping Nutrisystem 3 free weeks Omaha Steaks Exclusive combos starting at $ FREE gifts! Free shipping on $79+ Oneida Flatware Oriental Trading Co. Free delivery + $5 off $59+, Free delivery on $49+, a great place for halloween candy & more Peapod $10 off first order Restaurant.com Additional 80% off $25 gift certificates and pay only $2! Thru 10/25 Safeway $5 off + Free delivery for groceries, Free delivery for groceries Shari s Berries Save 15% on Hand-Dipped Berries & Gourmet Gifts $24.99+, Get your Halloween treats here Shindigz Party Supplies & Decor 10% off $100, Free shipping on $85+, Deal of the Day Superior Nut Company 5% off The Fruit Company 10% off dipped fruit, Fruit of the month + free shipping The Hershey Store 10% off your order The Knot Wedding Shop Save on wedding favor, decor & more Urban Outfitters 20% off $100+, Free Shipping on $75+ Vitamin Shoppe Free shipping on $99+ Weight Watchers Save over 25% on Weight Watchers Online, or choose unlimited meetings with Monthly Pass 10

16 Wisconsin Cheeseman Gifts Save $5! Zazzle 10% off Halloween t-shirts and treat bags, 15% off Harry Potter Merchandise, 30% off calendars, 35% off Holiday cards, Free shipping on $50+ Zinio.com - Digital Magazines $5 off select titles, up to 90% off plus free issues! The Grilling Collection Regular Price: $ Working Advantage Price: $ (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 2 (4.5 oz.) Stuffed Sole with Scallops and Crabmeat 8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Franks 4 (4 oz. approx.) Boneless Chicken Breasts 4 (5.75 oz.) Stuffed Baked Potatoes Make any gathering memorable with The Grilling Collection, an assortment of delicious gourmet items from Omaha Steaks! All of your favorites are included in this package; our flavorful Top Sirloins, juicy Pork Chops and Chicken Breasts, premium Stuffed Sole, delicious Stuffed Baked Potatoes and famous Gourmet Franks. With that variety, you re sure to thrill your grill, your family and your guests Example of Member savings from Omaha steaks The Gourmet Banquet: Regular Price: $ Working Advantage Member Price: $79.99 This product contains the following items: - 2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons - 4 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins - 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops - 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Chicken Breasts - 2 (4.5 oz.) Stuffed Sole with Scallops and Crab - 8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Franks - 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers - 10 portions Potatoes au Gratin * BONUS * Members also receive a 3 free gifts-6 quarter-pound Omaha Steaks Burgers, a 6-Piece Cutlery Set and a Cutting Board! Just select FREE GIFTS at online checkout Please be advised that the benefit information referred to in this manual was current at the time of its publication but is subject to change without notice. For up-to-the minute benefit and eligibility information, please log on to the vendors website stated in this manual. In addition, please be aware that new benefits are being negotiated on a regular basis. Please watch for benefit enhancements and improvements in the Local 153 News. 11

17 4. Local Restaurants Working Advantage offers hundreds of dining discounts in the Tri-State Area. We have provided a small sample of some restaurants but look at workingadvantage.com to discover more discounts on restaurants in your neighborhood! Show your Working Advantage to receive these discounts! Ghost Chili Mexican Grill (1706 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Islandia, NY ) Higbie Bagels (264 Higbie Lane, West Islip, NY 11795, ) Texas Rotisserie & Grill (2581 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, ) Lotus Restaurant (345 Conklin St., Farmingdale, NY 11735, ) Samurai Hibachi (46 Gerard Street, Huntington, NY 11743, ) Taishow Hibachi (4318 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758, ) Shiki Japanese Restaurant (97 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787, ) Hana Japanese Restaurant (21 Oakland Avenue, Port Jefferson Station, NY ) Frankie s Eastside Pizza (313 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 10735, ) The Salad Factory (695 Roosevelt Ave., Carteret, NJ 07008, The Runway Restaurant and Bar (1100 Terminal Circle Drive, West Trenton, NJ 08628, Chuck E. Cheese (Different places throughout the Tri-State Area) Marita s Cantina (1 Penn Plaza, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, Bella s Burger Shack (52 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, ) Saray Turkish Restaurant (770 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, ) Turkish Kebab House (1157 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT ,

18 CHAPTER 5 FLOWERS Flowers UnionPlus Flower Service ( or unionplus.org/flowers) Members save 15% per order when sending flowers and also get an unconditional 100% satisfaction guarantee. Offers same day flower-delivery service for orders received before noon (in delivery time zone) TIP! Save $1.00 off service and transmission fee by ordering online rather than by phone Offers international service with 3 day delivery guarantee * Note: International Orders can only be taken over the phone and not applicable to $1.00 extra discount. unionplus.org/flowers offers my account secure online site section where members can store addresses and send themselves gift/date reminders. It can also store flower order history that can only be opened with a password chosen by the member. Member Testimonial I used the UnionPlus flower service to send flowers to my daughter before her college finals. The flowers were beautiful and the price was much cheaper than if I called a florist myself or used another online service. Linda, wife of OPEIU Local 153 member Please be advised that the benefit information referred to in this manual was current at the time of its publication but is subject to change without notice. For up-to-the minute benefit and eligibility information, please log on to the vendors website stated in this manual. In addition, please be aware that new benefits are being negotiated on a regular basis. Please watch for benefit enhancements and improvements in the Local 153 News. 13

19 CHAPTER 6 HEALTH AND WELL BEING Benefits in this chapter Health Club/Gym Discounts Dental Savings Vision Savings Prescription Card Savings 1. Health Club/Gym Discount UnionPlus Globalfit Members receive discounts to over 1,500 health clubs/gyms nationwide! Visit globalfit.com/unionplus or call Note! Tell representative that you re a Union Plus Member. The Union Plus Health Club Discount gives you: -A pre-negotiated 20-60% discount on initiation and monthly fees at over 1,500 health clubs nationwide -The flexibility of a month-to-month membership. No long-term commitment necessary. -Access to the GlobalFit s Travel Program when visiting cities across the country -Ability to conveniently freeze,* transfer or cancel your gym memberships. -Additional discounts for family members. -Membership fees can be billed to monthly credit card or bank account. * Not available at all clubs. **NOTE: To receive your union-member discounted rates, you must enroll through GlobalFit, not directly through the club. These rates are not available to the general public. This offer is for NEW club members and is not available for current club members. For more information or to enroll, visit globalfit.com/unionplus OR call Tell representative that you re a Union Plus Member 2. Local 153 Dental Benefits Dental Care Top quality Dental Care at reasonable prices may be obtained by members at the following Manhattan location: Group Health Dental Facility West 41st Street (Between 7th & 8th Avenues) (GHI Type M-I and Spectrum accepted as payment-in-full for most services) Dental Access Plan Offers members a means of reducing the high costs of dental care through a network of dentists and specialists who allow substantial savings up to 33% on your dental care. For more information contact the union at (212) Ext Local 153 Vision Benefits Vision Care Top quality visions services are now available to Local 153 members at General Vision services in all five boroughs, Westchester County, Long Island, and New Jersey. Members of the Local 153 Health Fund receive varying benefits, depending on the plan. Non-members of the Health Fund receive discount. If you are a Health Fund member, contact (212) for details. If you are not a Health fund member contact (212) Ext

20 Choose a Union Plus Health Savings program that s right for you including advice on how to handle insurance and your bills. Union Plus Prescription Card Download a no-cost prescription discount card and start saving at participating pharmacies. The Union Plus Prescription Discount Card Difference: If you lack insurance for prescriptions, this no-cost card helps union families save an average of 20% off brand name drugs and 40% off generic prescription drugs. More savings if you use mail-order prescriptions. Savings available at over 55,000 participating pharmacies nationwide. Find a pharmacy near you. Union family members including spouses, domestic partners, children (of any age), parents, aunts and uncles of union members are eligible for the no-cost prescription discount card. Union Plus Hospital Care Grants If you re a union member with a large, uncovered hospital bill, the Union Plus Hospital Grant could help. Battling rising health care costs? Union Plus programs can help you save at participating health providers in your area. Simply choose a Union Plus Discount program below: No cost prescription discount card helps you save at participating pharmacies Vision Discounts helps you save on vision care, prescription drugs, hearing care and more Dental Discounts includes everything in the vision program, plus dental care discounts Physician and Hospital Discounts - includes everything in the dental program, plus physician and hospital care discounts NOTE: These plans are not insurance and do not replace insurance. Please be advised that the benefit information referred to in this manual was current at the time of its publication but is subject to change without notice. For up-to-the minute benefit and eligibility information, please log on to the vendors website stated in this manual. In addition, please be aware that new benefits are being negotiated on a regular basis. Please watch for benefit enhancements and improvements in the Local 153 News. 15

21 CHAPTER 7 DEATH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS Benefits in this Chapter Death Benefit Accidental Death Benefit Disability Benefit 1. Death Benefit Local 153 will provide members in good standing, with twelve (12) consecutive months or more of membership, with a $4,000 death benefit. OPEIU will provide members in good standing, with twelve (12) consecutive months or more of membership, with a $2,000 death benefit. Please Note! Members who are retired or no longer employed under a Local 153 collective bargaining agreement are ineligible for the death benefit. Members who have not paid dues in more than two months during a fourteen month period prior to death (not including the month of death) are not eligible for the death benefit. If a member does not pay dues through payroll deductions due to leave of absence, disability, or other similar circumstance he/she must pay dues directly to Local 153 to remain eligible for the death benefit. 2. Accidental Death Benefit Local 153 will provide members in good standing, with twelve (12) consecutive months or more of membership, with a $4,000 accidental death and dismemberment benefit. OPEIU will provide members in good standing, with twelve (12) consecutive months or more of membership, with a $2,000 accidental death and dismemberment benefit. Please Note! Members who are retired or no longer employed under a Local 153 collective bargaining agreement are ineligible for the accidental death and dismemberment benefit. Members who have not paid dues in more than two months during a fourteen month period prior to accidental death or dismemberment (not including the month of the accidental death or dismemberment) are not eligible for the accidental death and dismemberment benefit. If a member does not pay dues through payroll deductions due to leave of absence, disability, or other similar circumstance he/she must pay dues directly to Local 153 to remain eligible for the accidental death and dismemberment benefit. 3. Disability Benefit Local 153 will provide members in good standing, with twelve (12) consecutive months or more of membership, with a $300 disability or worker s compensation benefit after 6 weeks of disability or worker s compensation. Please Note! The disability benefit payment is limited to once a year. When a period of disability extends from one calendar year into the next, this is still considered one benefit. To be eligible, a member must be in good standing and current with payment of dues during the period of disability or worker s compensation. Therefore, a member must continue to pay his/her dues directly to Local 153 during these periods of disability or worker s compensation, to remain eligible for the disability benefit. The member must claim this benefit by filing with Local 153 by the end of the year following the year the disability occurred. For example, if the disability occurred in May 2012, the member would need to file by December 31,

22 CHAPTER 8 HOUSE AND HOME Benefits in this Chapter Home-Buying Discounts & Benefits Discounts On New Furniture Moving & Storage Home Heating System & Fuel Discounts 1. Home Buying Discounts & Benefits Union Advantage, a program from HomeBridge Financial Services, makes home buying and refinancing hassle free and affordable for union members. There is special assistance available for first-time home buyers. Hundreds of Tri-State area union members have successfully used the Union Advantage program and saved money. Benefits for Local 153 members include: Mortgage applications taken over the phone at or in-person at 152 Madison Avenue, 15th floor Free credit check Free credit counseling for union members whose credit rating does not qualify them for a mortgage Pre-certification for mortgages, which makes home buying faster and easier Down payments under 5% in certain cases $500 credit toward closing costs Parents and children of union members are also eligible to use the Union Advantage program FHA and VA direct loans, making approval faster and easier and reducing credit qualifications The mortgage counselors at HomeBridge Financial Services Union Advantage will guide you every step of the way in the mortgage process and do most of the work for you. They have vast experience with first time home buyers and they will teach you what to do in the event you don t qualify for a mortgage so that you can qualify in a year or less. Call or visit 152 Madison Avenue, 15th floor for more information or to start the mortgage application process. Union Plus Mortgage & Real Estate makes refinancing and home-buying easier and more affordable for working families! Through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, one of the largest lenders in the U.S., union members can take advantage of convenient mortgages. Call or contact a WellsFargo mortgage representative in your area to apply or ask questions. Among the unique benefits available through UnionPlus Mortgage & Real Estate are unemployment, disability and strike benefits to help you make mortgage payments when you re out of work. Also, parents and children of union members are eligible for UnionPlus mortgages! Financing a home can be a complicated business, so why not leave it to the mortgage experts? Wells Fargo Home Mortgage counselors will walk you through the entire process of buying, selling and refinancing homes. Wells Fargo also offers special mortgage programs for first-time buyers. Through the UnionPlus Mortgage program first-time home buyers who are union members may earn a $500 UnionPlus First-Time Home Award. In addition, union families that buy or refinance a home with the UnionPlus Mortgage program can receive a $500 My Mortgage Gift Award from Wells Fargo after closing. For more information call

23 18 Announcing... the HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. Union Advantage Program At HomeBridge, we have a loan program for every situation. pre-approval today! John Prom Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #51769 Phone: , Ext. 100 Cell: Apply Online: Announcing... the HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. Union Advantage Pr At HomeBridge, we have a loan pr Announcing... the HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. Union Advantage Program At HomeBridge, we have a loan program for every situation. Announcing... the HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. am am for every situation. John Pr John Prom At HomeBridge, we have a loan pr At HomeBridge, we have a loan program for every situation. am for every situation. Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #51769 Phone: , Ext. 100 Cell: Apply Online: Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #51769 Phone: , Ext. 100 Cell: Apply Online: pre-approval today! oval today!

24 Looking for a Mortgage? A Union Plus Mortgage makes owning a home affordable.! Reduced closing costs Save up to $495 on new home purchases or refinances.! Mortgage assistance Help if you become unemployed, disabled, on strike, or locked out.! Grant money Hospital care, disaster relief and college savings grants. Call or visit UnionPlus.org/Mortgage 19

25 2. Discounts On New Furniture Union Furniture Purchasing Plan Furniture and household furnishings are available to Local 153 members at greatly reduced prices! Plaza Furniture, which is located on Long Island at 121 Front Street, Massapequa Park, is stocked with quality brand name furniture and home furnishings. The discounts available exclusively to union members range from 25 percent to 45 percent. Discounts on floor samples can be even bigger, ranging to 50 percent or more! In addition to furniture discounts, there are great bargains available on tables, curios, rugs, lamps and pictures. Local 153 members also enjoy the benefit of having any furniture they purchase at Plaza delivered to their homes free of charge, if they reside within 50 miles of the showroom. Members can even call the store in advance ( ) and get a price quote on any furniture they see in any other stores. If Plaza carries that furniture, and they usually do, members will find that they can enjoy substantial savings by visiting the showroom. Local 153 members can see for themselves the beautiful furniture that is available at Plaza by visiting the store s website at plazafurnitureny.com and viewing samples. Plaza Furniture is open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and on Thursdays until 8:00 p.m. The store has payment plans available to credit-eligible Local 153 members. 3. Moving & Storage Get Moving. No matter what your needs, Union Plus Home & Moving Discounts help union members & their families affordably relocate with expertise, convenience and no hassles! Ready to move? Contact either of the following company for a discount on moving. Make sure you mention that you are a Local 153 member. North American Van Lines Allied Van Lines Allied & North American Van Lines Discounts Professional Moving Discounts for Union Families: Exclusive union member discounts on interstate moving, packing and in-transit storage. Free $50,000 of Full Replacement Coverage from North American Van Lines. Double the coverage on property protection from Allied Van Lines. Peak rates waived year round. On-time delivery guarantee. Members receive $125 per diem if the interstate delivery date is missed due to no fault of the member.* Contact North American Van Lines at and Allied Van Lines at Full-Service Moving from the Professionals Enjoy a stress-free and affordable experience with Union Plus discounts on full-service moving vans through the leading national moving brands, Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines. Preferred moving van and moving services discounts especially designed for union members can save you hundreds of dollars on a typical interstate (state-to-state or long-distance) move. The Union Plus Budget Truck Discount Difference: Union families save 20% discount applies to local & one-way rentals too Over 2,800 convenient locations nationwide 20

26 Provides 24/7 roadside assistance Get truck or van rates by calling Union Discounts on Moving Boxes & Supplies The Union Plus Moving Boxes Difference: Union families save 15% on moving boxes & supplies when compared to competitor pricing FREE shipping within the U.S. For purchases over $40, use Coupon Code UNION25, and you ll receive a $25 Restaurant.com gift card For purchases over $100, use Coupon Code UNION100, and you ll receive a $25 Restaurant.com gift card, plus a 4-pack of room tape* *You must enter Room Tape in the shopping cart, then enter coupon code for automatic savings PODS moving & storage discount for Union Families Union Plus PODS Discount: Savings of 10% on local moves and storage, and 5% on long distance moves and storage for union families. Moving in town or across the country. Storage at your location or a secure PODS facility. Pack and unload at your own pace. Also check Union Plus Moving Boxes & Supplies Discounts to save 15%. 4. Home Heating System and Fuel Discounts * HEAT USA Local 153 members who heat their homes with oil and live in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut can use HEAT USA, a Union Plus program, to save big money. Call to learn more. The home heating oil discount available to Local 153 members through HEAT USA includes the following: Savings of $200-$300 annually, or cents per gallon on full-service fuel oil purchases. A certificate for $50 of free heating oil. $10 off the first year s membership fee. Local members pay only $15, instead of the regular $25 annual home heating oil membership fee. Free service contract on the home heating system, including 24-hour emergency service, extensive parts and labor coverage and annual system cleaning and tune-up. This service contract is a $100 value! Special feature: When you use this home heating oil discount, HEAT USA will make a contribution to the Union Plus Scholarship Fund. Please be advised that the benefit information referred to in this manual was current at the time of its publication but is subject to change without notice. For up-to-the minute benefit and eligibility information, please log on to the vendors website stated in this manual. In addition, please be aware that new benefits are being negotiated on a regular basis. Please watch for benefit enhancements and improvements in the Local 153 News. 21

27 CHAPTER 9 INSURANCE BENEFITS/DISCOUNTS Benefits in this Chapter Accident Insurance Auto Insurance Pet Insurance 1. Accident Insurance Your union membership entitles you to enroll for no-cost coverage for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance: $5,000 of coverage against accidental death from covered motor vehicle/pedestrian accidents, or $1,000 of coverage for death due to any other type of accident at home, at work and while commuting or traveling anywhere in the world. Please Note! This benefit is not automatic. Learn more and enroll online at unionsecure.com or call Members can also choose to purchase additional accidental death and dismemberment coverage from $50,000 to $150,000 at group rates. If an accidental death* occurs due to injury sustained while riding as a passenger on any common carrier - such as an airplane, train, bus or taxi your beneficiary would receive triple the amount of your base coverage. For example, if you purchase $150,000 of expanded coverage, your beneficiary would receive $450,000. If an accidental death results from a motor vehicle accident or as a pedestrian, your beneficiary would receive double the amount of your base coverage.* For example, if you purchase $100,000 of expanded coverage, your beneficiary would receive $200,000. Benefits are paid for loss of limbs, speech, hearing or sight. Coverage provided for the member alone or entire family 24-hours-a-day, everywhere. Pays in addition to any other insurance you may have. No termination age; however, benefit amounts reduce by half at age 70. * Only one benefit, whichever is the greater, will be paid for any one accident. Death must occur within 365 days of injury. 2. Auto Insurance * Defensive Driving Course/Auto Insurance Discount An Accident Prevention/Defensive Driving Workshop is available to Local 153 members and their families at a discounted price of $35 per person. Successful completion of this course will allow members with NYS drivers licenses to get an immediate 10% rate reduction on liability and collection premiums for three years along with up to 4 points immediately deducted from their record by the Department of Motor Vehicles. In New Jersey, the rate deduction is 5% and up to 2 points reduction. For information, contact Victoria Tirado-Roman at (212) (Information also available at unionplus.org/autoinsurance) UnionPlus Discounted Auto Insurance: UnionPlus offers union members auto insurance. Members save on average $360*. Call for a free auto insurance quote and more information. Driver education grants are available to Union Plus Auto Insurance policyholders who take one of the following three driving courses. 22

28 Anyone insured on your Union Plus Auto Insurance policy is eligible for refunds on driver education courses completed 6 months before or any time after you become a Union Plus Auto Insurance policyholder. That means you could take the class for free! By taking one of the three driving courses, union members may be also eligible for discounts on their auto insurance premiums. Auto insurance premium discount availability varies by state. 1. Defensive Driving Alive 3. Driver Training A Great Auto Insurance Deal for Local 153 Members! One of the most consistently beneficial programs available to Local 153 members through the Union Plus program is auto insurance. It s true! Many members who take advantage of this benefit not only end up saving money, they also get extra services and discounts. It s a great deal. And it s an especially great program for drivers in New York and New Jersey, two of the top three states when it comes to high auto insurance rates. In short, there is nothing to lose in checking out the Union Plus auto insurance program but plenty to gain for those who sign up. The most important thing to remember about the Union Plus auto insurance benefit is that it will not save money for every union member that seeks rate quotes. But it will save money for most members who do. In fact, union members are saving an average of $473 a year through this program. Some will save as much as $550 a year or more. The reason for the savings is that the program obtains multiple price quotes from a variety of insurance companies. Under the plan, union members can get free auto insurance quotes in two ways. They can obtain the free price quotes online or they can call In either case, studies show that many will save money by doing so. We should note that members who reside in New Jersey will not be able to obtain auto insurance price quotes over the phone due to state law. They will, however, receive their quotes promptly by mail. There s additional good news. In addition to lower rates there are other benefits for Union Plus Auto Insurance policyholders. As an example, Union Plus Auto Insurance policyholders are eligible for driver education grants, as explained elsewhere in this benefits booklet. Under this unique program, Union Plus Auto Insurance policyholders can get money up to $250 to take one of these driving courses. There s more. An added measure of security is built into every Union Plus-sponsored auto insurance policy. Members coverage includes free access to 24-hour roadside assistance and emergency travel assistance. The plan provides auto insurance coverage that members can trust. And, yes, the program has auto insurance policies available for drivers with less than perfect driving histories. It also offers freedom of choice, meaning that union members can select body shops or mechanics if repairs are necessary. The program provides round-the-clock service, and top quality assistance. Every call made to the Union Plus auto insurance program is answered in the United States! The average savings for union members of $473 annually is based on all new Union Plus auto insurance policyholders who reported their prior carriers premiums when they switched to Union Plus. This study took place between December 2011 and December, Of all new policies issued during this period, 86.7 percent realized savings. Savings can be even larger for those families that have more than one car. Members who use Union Plus auto insurance are also entitled to discounts of eight to 12% when they add on homeowners insurance from 21st Century Home Insurance. There are additional discounts available to drivers aged 55 and older through a program developed 23