In recent history, we have witnessed the incredible dedication of California workers to keep the economy running, educating our children, stocking our stores, harvesting our farms, and caring for our patients.
They need and deserve our support when they are in a labor dispute with their employer. The AB 2530 can do just that. As chair of the Congressional Health Committee and as a health care provider, I authored this bill. Because the bill isn’t just about workers’ right to strike, it’s also about California’s efforts to provide affordable and universal compensation for all.
We have seen employer-provided health coverage weaponized during strikes, creating unacceptable conditions. This year, Stanford Hospital and her Dignity Health tried to let workers choose between the right to strike and affordable health care for themselves and their families.
One of these employers sent a letter to striking workers informing them that they would lose coverage if they did not return to work, and in a letter to employees, said that alternative medical insurance was offered to employees. I even emphasized and underlined that it would cost about $950. A long strike will cost you $3,667 per month. A clear threat, not only to workers, but to their families, who depend on their health insurance.
It is amazing to see the health care industry itself depriving workers of affordable insurance during prolonged strikes, and that hypocrisy has not been lost on me. is never easy. Workers lose their income and health insurance coverage, which can threaten not only ongoing drug and medical treatment, but also their families.
Workers do not have to risk their own or their family’s health care to exercise their right to strike. AB 2530 legislation should be enacted. It protects workers in the rare case of a long-running labor dispute that puts employer-paid health insurance at risk.
Yes, workers will still have access to insurance, but we all know it’s very expensive and doesn’t apply to eligible family members. Coverage can continue, and premium subsidies and cost-sharing assistance are provided as if the worker’s income were just above Medi-Cal eligibility levels. .
Simply put, the bill would allow striking workers to access affordable medical insurance for themselves as well as their families. In a perfect world, workers would not have to use this proposed law, and employers would voluntarily choose to continue health insurance during labor disputes. Not proven to be so.
Our workers have protected, cared for and supported us during the most difficult times of the last few years. We must now protect, care for, and support them.
I urge Governor Gavin Newsom to sign this bill.
Jim Wood of D-Santa Rosa represents the 2nd congressional district.
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