Community Services for Union Members
In times of financial hardships, there are things that you may think are impossible to do that are possible to do. One of the most basic is working out new payment arrangements with banks, utilities and other creditors when money gets tight. If you call them ahead of time and explain the situation, many creditors are willing to work with you. That’s especially true if you make an offer for reasonable and sustainable arrangements and take the initiative before you fall behind.
In terms of health benefits, most employer healthcare plan premiums are paid on the 1st of the month. So, for example, assuming a strike begins in early July, your health benefits will be paid through the end of the month. After that, if you are still out on strike, you will be able to purchase a COBRA plan to cover you and your family in August.
In addition, unionized workers have many more resources than they realize. The AFL-CIO Community Services Program represents a 70-year partnership between organized labor and Greater Twin Cities United Way.
AFL-CIO Community Services liaisons:
• Provide information and referral services for a variety of resources, including health care, food and financial assistance and foreclosure prevention.
• Coordinate strike and layoff training for unions.
• Advocate for working family issues, including affordable health care, improved transit and an economy that works for all.
| In the East Metro | In the West Metro |
ST. PAUL FEDERATION of LABOR Lynne Larkin-Wright | MINNEAPOLIS CENTRAL LABOR UNION COUNCIL |
| In Northern Minnesota | Minnesota's Eastern Border |
DULUTH AFL-CIO CENTRAL BODY | ST. CROIX VALLEY AFL-CIO CENTRAL LABOR UNION |
Here are some other resources you can use to help you navigate things during a strike:
When the Paycheck Stops - AFL-CIO's handbook for surviving unemployment
Information on Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota
United Way 2-1-1 This phone line, available statewide, connects callers to agencies and other resources in their community. It has good records of who still has funding available and who is taking more clients.
- In the metro, call 211
- From a cell phone, call 651-291-0211
- In greater Minnesota, call 800-543-7709
Fare for All This program, part of the Emergency Food Network, distributes fresh food at steep discounts in 28 Minnesota counties. Participants pay for food packages that work best for them, but pay 30-50 percent less than retail.
Angel Food Ministries This is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and financial support for families in need.
Bridge to Benefits This service can determine if you or your children qualify for public services, ranging from tax credits, to medical or energy assistance, to school meals. You can take an anonymous survey online, which matches you with what’s available where you live.
Minnesota Home Ownership Center This nonprofit offers information to help avoid foreclosure if you’re struggling to keep up with mortgage payments.
Union Plus Union members who have a mortgage or credit card through AFSCME Advantage or Union Privilege can get a break on payments and other help when they lose their job or see their income cut.
