16 Comments
22 hrs agoLiked by Arthur Goldstein

In 14 years, this is, as you say, an improvement. I was right at the front, next to Jonathan and Bennett, eye to eye with him. He even took my seconding of a resolution. All I can say is let’s see if words can be changed to deeds.

Expand full comment
author

A very crucial distinction.

Expand full comment

Oh wait, they’ll try to take away things we fought for. Is Mulgrew speaking about himself or the

mysterious outside force that won the election?

Expand full comment
author

Yes, that's a very good question.

Expand full comment

Thanks Arthur. Your dedicated reporting is so valued, and I'm glad that you and many others refuse to blink at such a crucial time as this. I was able to be at this DA in person, so I thought I'd mention that I saw Mulgrew smirk and chuckle while our RTC Chapter Leader Bennett Fischer read and explained the Healthcare resolution that means so much to us. It could be that something else happened right at that point, or maybe the charm pill Mulgrew took just couldn't hold back his disdain for us. Just sayin'

Expand full comment
author

You're reminding me of how Mulgrew sounded absolutely sarcastic describing those of use who criticized his filibuster last month. Of course he defends it, even after doing an absolute turnaround this month. They can never admit fault for anything, and they absolutely cannot stand us standing up to them.

They'd best get used to it. We are going nowhere.

Expand full comment

Thank you Arthur for the excellent notes.

I don’t understand the RFP on the dental plan.

The dental plan is funded by the Welfare Fund.

Cigna is the third party administrator.

Mulgrew has no clue. The DA should review the RFP before it goes out so that the DA can check out what Mulgrew’s very smart people are doing.

Expand full comment
author

RFP is a request for proposals. It means they are looking for a deal with another provider. I do like your idea of letting members review it--not necessarily the RFP, but whatever proposals come in.

Expand full comment

But the provider is a third party administrator not a dental insurer.

Expand full comment
author

I'm not sure I understand that.

Expand full comment

Thank you Arthur. I just have a small question/favor. Would you DM me the link where it says Medicare will be lowered? I read that Medicaid will probably get cuts by I can’t find the cuts for Medicare.

Expand full comment
author

Sorry I don't have any such link. Mulgrew may have referred to it, but right now it's speculation. Trump has frequently spoken about reducing "entitlements" and Elon Musk wants to cut the federal budget by a third, but as far as I know, there is no definite plan right now.

Expand full comment

Thank you. I thought I was slipping more of my brain cells out the back door. I really appreciate your information so I can stay up with issues of the Unions. ❤️

Expand full comment
author

Your brain is fine. My notes are written very quickly, and I don't edit them. You're not the only reader who was confused.

Expand full comment

"Improving." I agree with that. I attended by phone. There were improvements and I think we (RTC delegates) can take credit for it. I can't remember the last DA I attended where we got through the whole agenda. Mulgrew shortened his report and indicated that he's conscious of the criticism that his reports go on too long. We also got a motion passed. I'm looking forward to the debate on Bennett's reso on DA approval for any changes to our healthcare. Looking forward to hearing the leadership's reponse to it. It's clear to me the RA/UFT election victory has had tangible results. Let's keep the momentum going!

Expand full comment
author

I agree. Of course, we're still in the same situation with Medicare, and they've done nothing to change it. Everyone else has a cheaper plan hanging over their heads. I think Unity wants to divert attention from that, as well as the contracts that fail to meet inflation.

Expand full comment