What will happen to union health trusts under the new system?
The provision of union health trusts are determined entirely by the employer/union contract and no state law can negate contract provisions. However, there will be a strong incentive for both employers and unions to seek coverage through the unified health care financing system. With the establishment of a public system, unions will no longer have to make major concessions at the bargaining table to save their health care benefits. A public system will also act as a safety net for workers, particularly if they are laid off, change jobs, go on strike or become disabled. At the same time, most employers will also benefit, since their costs of employee health care coverage will likely be lower than what they pay for health care now. 16. Can Washington establish a state based health care system without violating ERISA (Employment Retirement Income Security Act), U.S. congressional legislation which states that you can’t dictate to employers what type of health insurance they must provide?
