Detroit Today: The Blue Cross Blue Shield strikes, explained
The strike by Blue Cross Blue Shield workers pre-dates the UAW strike of the Big Three automakers.
UAW workers picket Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on Oct. 2, 2023 in Detroit.
In mid-September, over 1,000 UAW members with Blue Cross Blue Shield went on strike. The workers mostly operate in claims and customer service roles. Higher wages, improved benefits and an end to the outsourcing of jobs are among the priorities identified by union leaders in negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Vice President Derrick Jackson and Joint Programs Liaison Andante Valentine of UAW Local 2500 joined Detroit Today to discuss why they are on strike.
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Guests:
• Derrick Jackson is vice president of UAW Local 2500. He believes Blue Cross Blue Shield has disrespected its workers.
“We know that as the UAW being the number one customer (to Blue Cross Blue Shield), it is a shame that this company would actually then attack, humiliate, micromanage, (and) disrespect the UAW members,” says Jackson.
• Andante Valentine is the Joint Programs Liaison for UAW Local 2500. She says she is concerned about outsourcing.
“Outsourcing has almost tripled since we first agreed to…do that back sourcing of work based on our actual contract,” says Valentine.
Listen to Detroit Today with host Stephen Henderson weekdays from 9-10 a.m. ET on 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand.
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