Latest News
The OPEIU Free College Benefit is Here
OPEIU is pleased to introduce the newest union benefit for all OPEIU members – the OPEIU Free College Benefit. Just as the name implies, OPEIU members and their families can now earn an associate degree completely free of charge.
With all the expenses working families have to deal with these days, it’s good to know that meeting the costs of rising tuition and textbooks doesn’t have to be one of them. If you have children graduating from high school and planning to attend college or you are looking for a way to advance your own career, the OPEIU Free College Benefit is here to help. Beginning this summer, every member or retired member, as well as spouses, children, grandchildren and dependents of OPEIU members, can earn a two-year degree online for free. You read that right – free college just for being an OPEIU member in good standing.
STATEMENT BY OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION PRESIDENT RICHARD LANIGAN IN OPPOSITION TO NEW JERSEY’S S-4 HORIZON RESTRUCTURING LEGISLATION
On behalf of the 1,000 OPEIU Local 32-represented employees at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, OPEIU strongly opposes S-4 that seeks to impose restructuring requirements forcing the company to become an “insurer of last resort,” a move that would have devastating financial repercussions for the company and translate to exploding premiums and fewer services for its 3.8 million subscribers.
This onerous and politically motivated move by Gov. Chris Christie and the state senate will also hurt the innocent employees of Horizon who will as a result face certain layoffs and deep cuts at the bargaining table. Forcing Horizon into a quasi-charitable role that only it has to bear would put it at a serious disadvantage to other insurers in the state. More importantly, its employees and premium holders would be the ones absorbing the cost of caring for non-policy holders.
OPEIU Student Debt Reduction Application Deadline is June 30
Applications are now being accepted for the OPEIU Student Debt Reduction Program to help OPEIU members and associate members repay their student debt. The fund provides five awards of $2,500 each year to a member who has completed an associate or undergraduate degree and who can demonstrate they have at least $10,000 in student debt and their account is current.
The application deadline is June 30, so apply today. Click here for more information and an application.
#OPEIU Northeast region activists storm Capitol Hill today to meet with our legislators. #nursestakedc #opeiunursescouncil #opeiulegislativeday #whatrain?
#OPEIU getting ready to storm Capitol Hill tomorrow. #nursestakedc #opeiulegislativeday
OPEIU Nurses Take Capitol Hill to Demand Nurse Safe Staffing Legislation
Washington, D.C. – Nurse members of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, from around the country will descend on Capitol Hill on Friday, May 5, 2017, to meet with their legislators and demand safe nurse to patient ratio legislation aimed at protecting nurses, patients and their families.
The nurses, represented by the OPEIU Nurses Council (ONC), will also participate in the Nurses Take DC Rally for Safe Nurse to Patient Ratios, joining an anticipated 10,000 nurses from around the country who are gathering to raise public awareness of the dangers posed by unsafe nurse staffing levels in hospitals and medical clinics. ONC Vice Chair Julie Murray, RN, is among the scheduled speakers.
OPEIU Activists Focus on Internal Organizing
OPEIU members, leaders and staff gathered in Memphis, Tennessee, April 27-30 to develop internal organizing strategies for their local unions. From how to conduct new member orientations to team building and leadership development, these OPEIU activists proved that we’re stronger working together!
See what Robert Reich has to say about so-called “right-to-work” laws
OPEIU Student Debt Reduction Program Now Accepting Applications. Deadline June 30
Applications are now being accepted for the OPEIU Student Reduction Program to help OPEIU members and associate members repay their student debt. The fund provides five awards of $2,500 each year to a member who has completed an associate or undergraduate degree and who can demonstrate they have at least $10,000 in student debt and their account is current. Application deadline is June 30, so apply today. Click here for more information and application.
Jeffrey Rusich Named OPEIU Organizing Coordinator
Jeffrey Rusich has been named OPEIU Organizing Coordinator, where he will train and work with project organizers on large projects and organizing campaigns. Rusich has been an International staff representative for more than 25 years, most recently serving as a senior organizer. Previously, he was a Local 3 member and executive board member. He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay area.
In announcing the appointment, President Richard Lanigan said “OPEIU is refocusing its attention and resources on organizing and, as coordinator, Jeff will play a key role in that effort.”