February 3, 2010
Bruce Nigro, Director
Essex County Division of Welfare
18 Rector Street, Floor 9
Newark, NJ, 07102
Re: Step II Class Action Contractual Grievance
Prescription Mail Order Plan
Article I. Purpose
Article VII. Discipline
Article XX. Health Insurance Coverage
Article XXV. Non-Discrimination
Article XLIX. Safety of Staff
Dear Mr. Nigro:
CWA Local 1081 submits this Step II Class Action Grievance on behalf of all of our Union’s active and retired members whom have been denied a no-cost mail order prescription plan by the County of Essex, effective January 1, 2010, due to the County having unilaterally substituted Aetna/Benecard for Horizon/Caremark for its employees’ health benefits coverage. Article XX. Health Insurance Coverage, 2. of CWA Local 1081’s contract with the County of Essex stipulates “The County reserves the right to change, without negotiation, the manner in which the Health Benefits are provided as long as such benefits are not reduced”.
The resolution CWA Local 1081 respectfully demands to this grievance consists of the County of Essex immediately allowing our Union’s active and retired members so desirous to access the Aetna/Benecard mail order prescription plan at no cost. We seek a hearing in this regard.
Sincerely,
David H. Weiner, President, CWA Local 1081