June 4, 2009


The Honorable Michael J. Sullivan
Mayor, City of Lawrence
200 Common Street
Lawrence, MA 01840

Wilfredo T. Laboy
Superintendent
Lawrence Public Schools
P.O. Box 1498
Lawrence, MA 01842

RE: Demand to Bargain
Health Insurance

Dear Mayor Sullivan and Superintendent Laboy:

It has come to the attention of the Union that the Employer has closed the BC/BS master medical indemnity plan to new subscribers. Teachers who attended the open enrollment yesterday were told that the plan was being discontinued and they were not allowed to sign up for this plan. Health insurance is a mandatory subject of bargaining and the indemnity plan is included in our contract. There is no other indemnity plan available to members. At this time the Union is requesting that the Employer rescind its decision to discontinue BC/BS Master Medical as a health insurance option for new enrollees, give notice to employees that the plan is available, and extend the open enrollment period so that members may sign up for this plan.

Failure to take prompt action will leave the Union with no alternative but to take appropriate legal action. Considering the time restraints, I would hope for an immediate telephone response to this request.


Sincerely,


__________________________
Francis J. McLaughlin, Jr.

c: Naomi Stonberg, Esq.
Haidee Morris, Esq.
Phil Katz
Annemarie T. DuBois