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Originally posted by tw
KYW radio characterized the talks as productive and moving forward. Is that not the case? Are those characterizations the propaganda from the negotiators or is it an accurate insider's press leak?
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Again, from what I understand the only sticking point at this point is the issue of health care. Specifically, it seems that the level of co-payments and deductables are a problem. To quote from the
Philadelphia Inquirer article on the subject:
Quote:
SEPTA has proposed monthly co-pays of between $40 and $153 per member for managed-care benefits. In addition, Lombardo said, SEPTA has proposed deductibles of $250 to $500 a year for hospitalization and office visits. SEPTA has also sought to limit the availability of certain "lifestyle" drugs such as hair-loss remedies and Viagra.
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Speaking for myself, I agree with the union that a $250-$500 deductable per year (that's the amount of money that a covered person must pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in) is pretty steep, especially in the context of monthly co-payments of between $40-$153. I suppose the entire nub of the problem is negotiating some level of co-pay and deductable which both the union and management find acceptable. But, as we are seeing, that's
much easier said than done.
At least there's not as much grandstanding as in '98,
Z