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Union Plus Hardship Help

 

Financial, Homeowner and Healthcare Assistance for Union Members and Families

 

Union Plus is here to help union members and their families through times of uncertainty with unique Hardship Help benefits. Find out if you’re eligible for these Union Plus programs.

 

 

Financial Assistance:

  • Strike Benefits
    • Strike Grant for Union Plus Credit Cardholders
    • Strike Grant for Union Plus Personal Loan-holders
  • Layoff Assistance
    • Job Loss Grant for Union Plus Credit Cardholders
    • Job Loss Grant for Union Plus Personal Loan-holders
  • Debt Management
  • Credit Counseling
  • Bankruptcy Counseling Fee Waver
  • Legal Help

 

Homeowners Assistance:

  • Mortgage Assistance
  • Save My Home Hotline
  • Disaster Relief Grants

 

Healthcare Assistance:

  • Medical Bill Negotiating Service
  • Hospital Grant for Mortgage, Supplemental Insurance
  • Hospital Grant for Union Plus Credit Cardholders
  • Disability Benefits

 

Click here for more information on how Union Plus can help you!

Willow Grove Mine Explosion, New Stone and Statue

March 25, 2020

 

March 16, 2020, was the 80th Anniversary of the Willow Grove Mine Explosion. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the dedication ceremony for the statue was cancelled. However, the placing of the memorial stone and statue was still conducted at the memorial site on Saturday, March 21, 2020.

 

 

On March 16, 1940 Willow Grove No. 10 Mine, recognized as one of the country’s model bituminous mines, experienced a devastating mine explosion resulting in the death of 72 men.

March 16, 1940, at 11:10 a.m., the mine dispatcher made a telephone call to the surface reporting that smoke and fumes were coming down the Main West and driving men from the underground shops where they were unable to reach the airshaft to determine if a motor or transformer was burning.

At 12:00 p.m., 91 miners were helped out of the mine by members of the rescue crew, in which many were burned and bruised with the majority experiencing fatal effects of the poisonous gases that filled the tunnels. Those remaining, including two officials, were killed by the on-sweeping smoke and fumes.

The horrific gas explosion caught 180 men, killing at least three and injuring many. The fate of those men still trapped in a chamber known as, “Twenty-Two South” three miles from the mine entrance were deemed “uncertain” after the explosion.

“It is with a heavy heart that we had to cancel the Willow Grove Mine Monument reveal. We want to make sure we honor the men who died during this horrific explosion and though we couldn’t hold the event this year, we are happy that we are able to recognize the lives that were sacrificed with this monument.” – Rick Altman International District 31 Vice President.

The UMWA District 31 Subdistrict 6 purchased the stone memorial and an individual donated the statue. The Ohio Department of Forestry claims property ownership of the land for which they gave the UMWA permission to create a permanent memorial site on.

Letter from UMWA President Roberts to President Trump Regarding Importance of Getting a Fix for Multiemployer Pension System

March 22, 2020

 

President Roberts sent a letter to President Trump regarding the importance of getting a fix done for the multiemployer pension system as part of the stimulus bill. We believe this is the perfect time to preserve the pensions of millions of hard working Americans.

 

“As the administration and Congress work to pass legislation that will provide vitally needed economic stimulus across the American economy in this time of great national peril, I strongly urge you to include language that will protect the pensions of millions of hard-working Americans and senior citizens.”

 

“I urge you to persuade Congress to include the language of the Emergency Multiemployer Pension Plan Relief Act of 2020 in the stimulus legislation. This legislation will provide the means for working Americans to have some measure of economic security in these difficult times.”

 

Now that our pensions are protected, we are continuing the fight to protect ALL WORKERS’ pensions. 

 

Click here to read the full letter.

Second COVID Case Confirmed on Navajo

Source: Navajo Times

March 17, 2020

 

A second COVID-19 case has been confirmed on the Navajo Nation, President Jonathan Nez confirmed during a live KTNN public forum Tuesday evening.

Only a few hours before the second case was confirmed, a 46-year-old man was confirmed as the first case for Navajo Nation. It was confirmed that both individuals had been travelling and both are from the Chilchinbito community

“Pray for their quick recovery,” said Nez on air. “People have recovered from COVID-19.”

Officials are in the process of determining the relationship between the two cases. Like the first patient, the second individual is a middle-aged man and reported his symptoms to the Kayenta Health Center. He was taken to a hospital off the Nation for testing.

During his radio address Nez told listeners not to panic but to also stay home as well as being mindful of the vulnerable population, which are the elders. He reminded listeners to avoid gatherings with more than 10 people.

Vice President Myron Lizer emphasized prayer, and to also not let panic take over to the point a person is excessively shopping at the grocery stores.

Since people are continuing to empty grocery store shelves Bashas’ grocery stores will open from 6 to 7 a.m. Wednesday so that elders 65 and up can shop. Shoppers will have to show an I.D., and if a caregiver is needed, then one caregiver is allowed, but they’re not allowed to shop for themselves. All purchase limitations will be in effect.

Kayenta Chapter had posted to community members in Kayenta Chapter, Chilchinbeto Chapter and Dennehotso Chapter to stay home unless they absolutely have to travel for supplies or other necessities and asked them to postpone any appointments.

Chilchinbeto Chapter stated they will be closed to the public until further notice. They are communicating with community health representatives and Navajo Nation Emergency Management Department.

Questions from the public may be directed to the Navajo Health Command Operations Center at (928) 871-7014. If a person has symptoms related to the COVID-19 virus, please contact your local health care center prior to your arrival:

 

  • Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility
    (928) 674-7001/7688
  • Crownpoint Health Care Facility
    (505) 786-5291/6381
  • Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, INC
    (928) 729-8000
  • Gallup Indian Medical Center
    (505) 722-1000
  • Sage Memorial
    (928) 755-4500
  • Kayenta Health Center
    (928) 697-4000
  • Northern Navajo Medical Center
    (505) 368-6001
  • Tuba City Regional Health Care
    (866) 976-5941
  • Utah Navajo Health System
    (866) 976-5941
  • Winslow Indian Health Care Center
    (928) 289-4646
  • Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center
    (844) 542-8201
  • New Mexico Coronavirus Hotline
    (855) 600-3453

 

By: Arlyssa Becenti

Member of the Navajo Nation Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Source: Phoenix News Times

March 17, 2020

 

A member of the Navajo Nation has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to the Navajo Department of Health.

On Tuesday, a 46-year-old individual from Chilchinbeto, Arizona, a community on the Navajo Nation known as Tsii’chin Bii’ Tó in Navajo language, was confirmed to have COVID-19.

After first reporting symptoms at the nearby Kayenta Health Center in Kayenta, Arizona, the individual was transferred to a hospital in Phoenix, where the Arizona Department of Health confirmed the positive test result, according to a press release from the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President.

It’s the first case within the Navajo Nation, a tribal nation larger than 10 U.S. states.

“We have health and emergency experts who have been planning and preparing for this situation for several weeks,” said Jonathan Nez, president of the Navajo Nation, in the release. “We call upon our Navajo people to do their best to remain calm and make good decisions by staying home to prevent the spread of the virus among our communities.”

Health and emergency officials are taking the proper precautions to screen and isolate the person’s family members, he added.

Nez said his office is in close contact with officials from the Kayenta Indian Health Service Unit, Arizona Department of Health, Navajo County, and Navajo Area Indian Health Service to inform the public and implement necessary precautions moving forward.

In light of this first confirmed case, Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer urged the Navajo Nation Council, the legislative branch of the Navajo government, to convene to discuss appropriating funds to address the pandemic.

The Council failed to approve a $3 million funding request to the Department of Emergency Management earlier this week to purchase additional COVID-19 test kits, respirators, masks, and other preventative equipment earlier.

 

 

The Navajo Agricultural Products Industry is contributing $1 million to help the Nation address the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to the press release.

As of today, the death toll has reached 100 in the United States. There are 20 confirmed cases within Arizona.

Nez and Vice President Lizer will provide more information about the confirmed case of a Navajo community member live at 4 p.m. Arizona time on Wednesday on Navajo radio station KTNN, which is broadcast in northern Arizona on AM 660 and 101.5 FM. If the public has questions, Nez encouraged people to contact the Navajo Health Command Operations Center at 928-871-7014.

Meanwhile, Monument Valley in the Navajo Nation closed temporarily due to COVID-19 concerns, as did the four Navajo casinos.

 

By: Hannah Critchfield

Black-Lung Coal Miners Facing Serious Threat from Virus Spread

Source: Bloomberg

March 12, 2020

 

We’re tracking the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and the global response. 

 

The biggest labor union for U.S. coal miners is warning that members are at “significant risk” from the rapidly spreading coronavirus.

Mines are enclosed spaces where the highly contagious virus can easily spread, said Phil Smith, a spokesman for the United Mine Workers of America. The trade group is developing guidelines that it plans to issue to members soon, he said by email Thursday.

 

 

Miners also face greater health risks. As many as 20% of long-time miners may have black lung in central Appalachia, a historic bastion of U.S. coal production that includes parts of West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. That would be an underlying health condition that could exacerbate the symptoms of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus that was officially labeled a pandemic on Wednesday.

Overall in the U.S., about 10% of coal miners could have black lung disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The CDC report on black lung studied miners who have worked in the industry for more than 25 years.

Old age adds another risk factor for the Covid-19 virus, said Anna Allen, a West Virginia doctor who cares for black lung patients. While there are no reported cases in West Virginia, the virus has been spreading quickly across the U.S. “Eventually it’s going to come to West Virginia,” said Allen, who’s also an associate professor at West Virginia University’s School of Public Health.

By: Will Wade

Union Plus Credit Card Program

Source: Union Plus

 

  • Card options for all members

    Choose the card that works best for you, whether you want to build credit with responsible card use, have low interest rates or earn cash back.

  • U.S.-based phone service

    Enjoy 24/7 phone customer service for when you need support or have questions.

  • Competitive rates and features

    Take advantage of competitive interest rates, valuable Mastercard® benefits and more.

  • Union Support

    This card has your back, with hardship grants for eligible cardholders after 3 months, plus everyday rebates and discounts.

 

 

Who Can Apply for a Union Plus Credit Card

The Union Plus Credit Card program is available to the following in the United States:

  • Dues-paying labor union members of participating unions
  • Retired labor union members
  • Working America members

Many union family members may be eligible for the Union Plus Credit Card program as well.

Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. The Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

 

To view the full site click here.

Senator Manchin Named Honorary UMWA Member

Source: manchin.senate.gov

FEBRUARY 26, 2020

 

Manchin Named Honorary UMWA Member

 

 

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) was named an honorary member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). Senator Manchin received this honor for his relentless work over the last 5 years to secure pensions for 92,000 coal miners and their widows and healthcare benefits for 36,000 coal miners.

“My grandfather, Papa Joe, started working in the mines at nine years of age and I will never forget his stories of how hard he worked and fought for his fellow miners to have the dignity and respect every miner deserves. I lost my Uncle John, classmates from high school, friends and neighbors in the 1968 Farmington No 9 mining disaster. I know the hard work and risk our miners take every day to provide for their families but also the patriotic pride they have in providing our great nation with the power we needed to win wars and propel us to become the world power we are today. Standing alongside the UMWA members while they fought tooth and nail to secure the pension and healthcare benefits they rightfully earned has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Today I am humbled to be recognized as an honorary member of this great organization and to be brought in as one of their brothers. I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished together for West Virginia coal miners and their families and all miners across America. Thank you to Cecil Roberts and the entire UMWA membership for this tremendous honor,” said Senator Manchin.

“No one — no one — worked harder on getting this legislation passed than Joe Manchin. He has been a voice of reason on Capitol Hill since his election. Tens of thousands of miners, their families and widows have so much to thank him for, because he has literally saved their lives. We honor him today, but we will never forget what he did for us,” said UMWA President Cecil Roberts.

 

 

Please click here for photos from the ceremony.

Union Plus Scholarships

Source: Union Plus

 

The Union Plus Scholarship Program

 

  • Since 1991, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $4.5 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education.
  • Over 3,000 families have benefited from our commitment to higher education. The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation, supported in part by contributions from the provider of the Union Plus Credit Card. (You do not need to be a Union Plus Credit Card holder to apply for this scholarship.) See eligibility in the tab below.

 

The Facts 

Eligibility

Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant’s spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31 of the scholarship year.

Evaluation Criteria

This is a competitive scholarship. Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. The required essays can account for up to half your total score. Scholarship applicants are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators

Application Timeline

Applications are available starting in mid-June, and a complete application must be received on or before 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Eastern Standard Time on January 31st of the scholarship year. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Scholarship Award Amounts

Amounts range from $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the Fall of 2020. Students may re-apply each year.

 

Union Plus Does Your Budget Need to Recover from the Holidays?

Source: Union Plus

 

Ring in a new year free of financial stress. Find out if a personal loan could be right for you!

 

What is a Personal Loan?

  • A personal loan allows you to borrow a fixed amount (generally up to $50,000) that you pay back in monthly installments over the life of the loan (typically 12-84 months).

 

What can I use a personal loan for?

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How am I approved?

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Click here to read full article

 

 

 

A personal loan can help you accomplish your financial and personal goals through available funds that are easy to manage based on your preferred term and loan amount. With the Union Plus® Personal Loan, you can take control of your financial future.

 

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