Effective July 1, 2009, OPEIU Midwest United Local 2009 became a reality. The new alliance of OPEIU Local Unions 35, 39 and 391 will make us stronger, more effective at the bargaining table and provide organizing opportunities.
The new alliance also brings membership benefits to you as a member of one of three Local Unions. The Reference Guide outlines the hundreds of benefits and thousands of dollars that you and your family can save because you are a member. The benefits provided far exceed the cost of your Local Union Membership dues.
OPEIU Midwest United Local 2009 Benefits (Explanation of Benefits listed below):
- Disability Pay
- Death Benefit
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit for
- Additional Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit through American Income Life
- Towing Service
- Perks Discount Card
- Careington Health Services Discount Card
- OPEIU Scholarships Available for Members and dependents of Members
- Union Plus- scholarships, college grants, credit cards and discounts
- AFLAC Voluntary Benefits at Discounted Rates
The Member Benefit sign up form is required in order to receive the union benefits. If your contact information has changed, please fill out a new form and send it to the Benefits Coordinator, Marci Watrud. You may fax the form to (608) 257-1155, e-mail the form to mwatrud@opeiu2009.org, mail or deliver the form to OPEIU Midwest United Local 2009 at 437 S. Yellowstone Drive, Suite 112, Madison, WI 53719.
If you move and we do not have a forwarding address, your benefits will discontinue. Therefore, it is very important that the Benefits Coordinator is kept current on your contact information.
Disability Benefit: Union Members are eligible to receive up to six weeks of Disability pay when off work for medical reasons. After three (3) consecutive weeks of disability, a member is eligible to receive $100, up to a maximum of $250 annually.
In order to receive the disability benefit, please complete the disability form and return it to the Benefits Coordinator. Members are also required to submit a signed note from their doctor that includes the reason for medical leave, the date the leave started and the anticipated return to work date.
If you have not filled out the Benefit Sign up form, please do so and send it with your other forms to ensure that we have the correct address on file.
Sample Disability certificate
Death Benefits:
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit: Each member is eligible to receive $1,000 if dismembered. The beneficiary of the member is eligible to receive $2,000 if the member dies in any type of accident.
Death Benefit: The beneficiary is eligible to receive $1,000 if the member dies of natural causes.
Once retired or no longer employed under an OPEIU collective Bargaining Agreement, a member is no longer eligible for the death benefits.
If a member dies, the beneficiary is required to fill out the Death Benefit Application in order to claim the benefit. Please submit the form and a copy of the Death Certificate to the Benefit Coordinator, Marci Watrud. Once signed by the Benefits Coordinator the Beneficiary is required to have the form notarized.
Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit for Members and Retiree Members: Members and Retiree Members are eligible to receive $3,000 if dismembered. The beneficiary of the member is eligible to receive $3,000 if the member dies in any type of accident. This benefit is through American Income Life.
American Income Life offers additional Life coverage to any member interested. If you are interested in purchasing additional coverage, please contact Bill Verbeten at (262)502-9777.
Towing Service: Each member is eligible for two (2) annual tows (up to $100.00 each) through Nation Safe Drivers. Each member will receive a towing card (which can also be used by the member's family) once enrolled in the union. This service also includes road-side assistance such as tire changes, jump starts and unlocking your car.
When in need of a tow, simply call the number listed on your towing card. The towing service will ask for member verification. If for some reason they do not have you listed as a member, have your vehicle towed anyway and OPEIU will reimburse you for the charges up to $100.00.
Please Note: once enrolled in the union, it takes about 30 days to be registered under Nation Safe Drivers. If in need of a tow and you are not yet registered, OPEIU will reimburse you for any out of pocket cost up to $100.00.
Perks Card: The Perks Card is a national discount service that retailers/corporations join to provide discounts to their customers. The Perks Card is provided to all OPEIU Midwest United members as part of their union membership. After enrolled in the union, new members will receive a Perks Card in the mail.
Perks Cards provides benefits that are available locally either by showing your Perks Card or by downloading a coupon from the Perks Card website. Other discounts are available only through the website.
Members will need to register their Perks Card at www.perkscard.com. Please follow the following process to register your card:
- Simply go to www.perkscard.com, type in your card # and the registration “Activation Code”: located on the back of your Perks Card.
- Fill in all required personal information fields. (Perks Card does not call, mail or e-mail you without permission.)
- Finally, click “Register” and begin saving immediately.
Members can suggest names of vendors for Perk Card to recruit. Simply click on the “Help” section and fill out the form to recommend your local vendor.
Careington Health Services Discount Card: Careington gives you access to a national discount network for dental, prescriptions, vision, hearing and medical equipment/diabetic supplies; and a 24 hour nurse line.
Careington is NOT Insurance. Careington provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services.
Members are responsible for the total medical bill, minus the discount, at the time of service.
For more information and for a provider search go to www.careington.com.
Union Plus: Union Plus is a program that offers discounts, scholarships, credit cards and a college grant to name a few. To learn more about Union Plus or to apply for the mentioned programs, please visit www.unionplus.org.
AFLAC Benefits: Members are eligible to voluntarily participate at substantially discounted rates. The Benefits include Accident, Cancer, Short Term Disability, Vision and Dental.
OPEIU strongly encourages members to review the details in regards to the AFLAC protection plans. For questions or to set up a meeting with a local AFLAC professional, please contact Frank Sauter at (414)587-0308 or send an e-mail to frank_sauter@us.aflac.com.