To the Editor:
The Globe editorial concerning municipal health insurance (“DeLeo’s plan to save on cities’ health costs has courage, vision,” April 21) endorses a simplistic and undemocratic approach that ignores the value of true collective bargaining in producing the right solutions for everyone in our Commonwealth.
The MTA and other unions have proposed a plan to preserve employees’ collective voice while producing huge savings for cities and towns. The Globe is wrong to dismiss this proposal, which sets out a fair decision-making process and guarantees rapid results.
In recent years, educators and other public employees have often accepted lower salaries in exchange for benefits. Teachers have done everything possible to keep resources available for students and create stronger communities.
Now all involved must recognize that there is no easy fix. As we move to contain health care costs, employees need to have fair and meaningful participation in decision-making. Reforms such as allowing health reimbursement accounts must be front and center to help keep treatment affordable for those facing serious illnesses. No single step – especially allowing municipalities to arbitrarily determine benefits – will be a panacea.
The MTA plans to address the health care issue with creativity, collaboration and determination, and we call on others to do the same.
Sincerely,
Paul Toner
President, Massachusetts Teachers Association
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