COVID-19 Update

Restricted
Open enrollment for healthcare benefits for Local 223 members runs through October 30.
Here are few things to consider as you choose your benefits for the coming year. Staying on top of your health will help to make sure you are there for your family and can save you a lot of money.
Healthy Living Requirements (HLR) – these requirements have been cancelled for 2020, which means no physicals are required in 2020 and no surcharge for anyone in 2021.
Although the requirements have been waived due to COVID-19, we encourage all employees and spouses to schedule your medical physicals and to complete the assessment so you stay on top of your health.
Be careful which plan you select:
Carefully plan for amounts to add to dependent care and flexible spending accounts:
Local 223 is here to help you. If you are unsure, we can help to direct you to the proper person to get answers. We are not health care professionals but we know how to get help for our members. If you do need to change your elections after Open Enrollment closes, please contact the Local for help.
It’s time to choose your 2021 healthcare coverage
Your needs change from year to year. That’s why it is important to take action to ensure you have the right coverage!
You can also register to vote at least 15 days before Election Day online by following the link below:
Michigan residents are eligible to register to vote if they are:
Missed the deadline to register online? Michigan residents can register to vote through Election Day, November 3rd by visiting a clerk’s office. Learn more about registering and casting your ballot by visiting the Michigan Department of State step-by-step guide online by clicking here.
Not sure if you’re registered to vote? Find out by visiting the Michigan Department of State’s website here.
Need to contact your clerk? Find your clerk by filling out the Michigan Department of State’s voter information form here.
Visit the Michigan AFL-CIO voter’s guide to find out what candidates are labor friendly and support unions. In key races, AFL-CIO has endorsed Joe Biden for President, Gary Peters for U.S. Senate and Elizabeth Welch for MI Supreme Court. Type in your address and the recommended candidates for your address will appear. Visit https://miaflcio.vote/to learn more.
COVID-19 Halloween recommendations
“The way we celebrate Halloween in Michigan will be different this year due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “However, there are still many ways to celebrate safely. The guidance MDHHS issued today provides tips for trick-or-treaters and their parents along with homeowners who wish to hand out treats.”
Tips for all groups include staying home if you are sick; maintaining social distancing of at least six feet; wearing a cloth mask that covers both the mouth and nose; and washing hands often or frequently using hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recently issued recommendations and considers trick-or-treating a high-risk activity. The CDC offers alternative activities to consider as well as safety tips if parents and children choose to trick-or-treat.
Read MoreDear Sisters and Brothers,
The year 2020 has brought on challenges that no one could have predicted, yet I am grateful to be at the helm of this great union, Local 223 UWUA. I am proud of the solidarity of all of our members as we battle the coronavirus pandemic. The sacrifices that we all make every day to ensure that the community we serve has lights and gas, is HEROIC. We are the backbone of industry. Without us everything comes to a stop. I’ve seen all of our members rise to the occasion, doing whatever it takes to get the job done. We have shown our resilience, reliability and flexibility to make sure we are here to serve the public that counts on us. Our plans constantly evolve to deal with this threat and because of the nature of this virus, each day brings new challenges.