Las Vegas Union May Strike over Health Care Law
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Las Vegas Union May Strike over Health Care Law
Will President Grant Special Exemption?
(Washington, D.C.) – According to press reports, nearly 10,000 unionized Las Vegas workers may soon go on strike over the effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. These housekeepers, porters, cooks, cocktail servers, and others have traditionally enjoyed generous health care benefits, but rising health care costs due to the law are leading their employers to try to transfer a share of the cost increase to workers. Union members will vote on whether to authorize a strike on March 20.
The law has already increased health care costs for the union by $23 million, with an additional $7 million increase coming this year. Union leaders are pushing employers to pick up more of these costs so that worker benefits are preserved. They are also pressing the White House for a special union exemption from provisions of the law, as other interest groups have received special favors. If the White House does ultimately give in, a special union exemption would raise the cost of the law and likely add to the debt.
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:
"The Affordable Care Act isn't making health care more affordable; it's making it more expensive. That has serious negative effects throughout our economy. Whether it's families dealing with higher premiums, or employers figuring out how to stay competitive, this is a costly burden.
In a few weeks the enrollment period for policies for this year will close. Insurers are expected to announce higher rates for the year ahead. Rather than granting special favors, the President should seize this opportunity to work with Congress on fixes for the law for all Americans, before more working families are forced to take the hit for a failing law. It cannot be fixed with more mandates and regulations. It requires a new approach based on consumer choice and market competition."
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.
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