by the Sterling, Streator, Ottawa Clerks contracts?
A. In 2005, the Company spent over $235,000 dollars to pay for the health and welfare benefits of its associates in the Sterling, Streator, Ottawa Clerks contract. The Company currently pays $3.05 per hour for the health benefits for our associates covered by the DH Plan. For a 40-hour employee, this represents over $6,300 per year. The Midwest Fund is asking for the new rate to be $3.63. This represents a 19% increase. This cost makes us uncompetitive in Sterling, Streator, Ottawa area. Q.