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Press Agent Apprentices to Receive Health Insurance in 2000!

In a bold move, the ATPAM Board of Governors has voted to provide health insurance through HIP (an HMO) to Press Agent Apprentices beginning in January 2000.

Press Agent Apprentices will be covered by HIP, an HMO that provides medical services, emergency care and other services through its network of participating doctors and hospitals, beginning January 1, 2000. While the coverage is not as extensive as the benefits enjoyed by full members and NMAMs, the Officers and Board felt it was necessary to provide a safety net for these younger colleagues as they learn their craft and work towards becoming full members of ATPAM. The premiums will be paid directly by ATPAM out of the general fund.

For decades, the Press Agent Apprentices, who have always been assessed the 2% working dues, have not been given health coverage while Manager Apprentices have enjoyed benefits for many years. This imbalance in coverage has been due to the fact that the Manager Apprentice – or NMAM – Program is co-administered by ATPAM and the League and is part of the collective bargaining agreement. However, because the League and other employers do not recognize the Press Agent Apprentice Program, it had historically been impossible to negotiate terms and conditions beneficial to these individuals.

This lack of coverage for apprentices has been a sore issue for Press Agents and is often cited as one of the key elements Press Agents would like to see put on the bargaining table. Understanding this item would be quickly removed from any negotiations, Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Forbes and P&W Administrator Gerry Parnell researched possible avenues of coverage for the apprentices. It is through their dedication, and the dedication of the Board, to better serving the membership that this milestone has been achieved.