PWBA Rolls Out Post-Attack Web Resource

October 12, 2001 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Those facing the loss of health benefits from September's terrorist attacks looking for their options will now find it easier to get answers from the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA).

The Labor Department’s PWBA is providing information through a toll-free number and its Web site on issues such as how workers can continue health coverage. 

One option is through special enrollment in another employment-based group plan.  For example, those who lost coverage as a result of the death of a spouse or job loss may be able to enroll in a plan offered through his/her own employer.

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To qualify, an individual must request the special enrollment within 30 days of losing coverage.  While employers and plan sponsors have the flexibility to extend the option for more than 30 days, they are not required to do so.

To better understand the options for maintaining health coverage in these circumstances, visit the DoL’s Web site and read:

  • Questions & Answers for Employee Benefit Plan Participants and Beneficiaries Related to the Events of September 11
  • Pension and Health Coverage Questions and Answers for Dislocated Workers

Read more at the Department of Labor’s Web site.

Union Reps Targets of Violence

October 11, 2001(PLANSPONSOR.com) - Union organizing proved to be a hazardous occupation last year, with more than two hundred union members reported slain or missing worldwide last year, more than 50% higher than 1999.

The survey by the International Confederation Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) reveals that three-quarters of the total (153) union members were killed or went missing in Colombia last year, twice the number recorded in the previous year.

Targets

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The report notes that trade unionists are regularly the target of attacks not only by paramilitaries and guerillas, but also by the authorities and employers. Further, the state has not mobilized the resources needed to implement effective protection programs.

According to the report, the number of unionists killed or missing rose 50% from 1999. In addition, about 8,500 people were arrested for the union activity, 3,000 injured and 20,000 dismissed from their jobs.

On the List

Along with Colombia, the report lists the following countries as having the most disturbing union rights records:

  • Guatemala,
  • Venezuela,
  • Costa Rica,
  • China,
  • South Korea,
  • Swaziland,
  • Zimbabwe,
  • Belarus, and
  • Gulf states such as Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Although anti-union activities were more prevalent in developing countries, the report highlighted similar activities in the US, Canada and in Belgium.

The survey covered 140 nations, 27 more than in 1999.

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