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For Three Winners, Car Rental Sweepstakes Opens the Door to Union Plus
This year, 14,000 union members and family members entered our car rental sweepstakes. But only three lucky drivers came out on top!
Elizabeth Hipwell of Chicago, IL is a longtime member of SAG-AFTRA, moving from New York to Los Angeles before settling down in the Windy City, retaining her membership all the while.
However, it wasn’t until recently that she realized the world of Union Plus benefits and discounts that was available to her. Hipwell happened to see a Union Plus email promoting the car rental sweepstakes in August 2018, entered on a whim, and much to her surprise became one of the winners!
Walking away with three $100 gift certificates to Hertz means she can attend her family reunion in Washington next summer, worry-free.
“How will I afford a car rental for a week?” Hipwell already fretted, anticipating ferrying around relatives and running errands for her elderly aunt.
The answer came in her unexpected win, which felt “like a blessing from above,” she says.
“I’m going to use Union Plus benefits from now on,” Hipwell enthuses. “The customer service with Union Plus is really awesome.”
David Butler, a member of the IATSE in Buffalo, NY calls his win “beginner’s luck.” He had also been unfamiliar with Union Plus programs and benefits before his win.
Butler’s recent work has focused on production design for films, one of which recently won an award at an independent film festival in Woodstock, NY.
He says, “The timing of this win could not have been more perfect.” He used the Budget gift certificates to travel cross-state to the festival and see the audience’s reception to the film in person.
“I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go to this festival or not, and when I won this contest I thought, ‘It’s a sign, I’m going!’” Butler recalls. “I wasn’t sure if my current car was going to make it, so [the prize] was very helpful and I was very excited to have won.”
Thanks to his win, Butler says, “I’ll do my best to get the word out about Union Plus in the Buffalo area. It’s really cool that there are so many different benefits.”
Michael Boylan, a retired SEIU member living in Queens, NY, thought his win was a prank since he never expects to win anything he enters. But the Union Plus sweepstakes proved to be his lucky break.
Boylan visits his snowbird friends in Florida every winter but is skipping his usual trip this year due to the recent hurricanes. Boylan is glad his gift certificates to Avis don’t have an expiration date, because there’s always next year.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank to you all the entrants. And remember, union members save up to 25% on car rental rates at six Union Plus rental car partners—Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Payless and Thrifty.
Union members Elizabeth Hipwell, David Butler, and Michael Boylan were the lucky winners of the Union Plus Car Rental Sweepstakes. Thousands of union members entered the sweepstakes, but these lucky three won $100 Hertz gift certificates.
Union Plus Helps CSEA Mom Send Son to College
Susan Portener’s son, Andrew, has always worked hard and been a high achiever. When Andrew told his mom that he wanted to go to college at the University of California, Los Angeles, she knew she would do everything she could to send him there.
An educator since 1982, Portener has been an active member of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) for the past 15 years. She first learned about the Union Plus Scholarship Program when Andrew brought home his college application materials. He applied and earned a $1,000 competitive Union Plus scholarship.
“It helped a great deal,” recalls Portener, who works as a special education paraeducator at the James Madison Elementary School in Indio, California. “Along with a scholarship from our chapter (CSEA Desert Sands Chapter 106), it went toward his first quarter tuition.”
The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. Since 1991, the program has awarded more than $4.3 million to students of working families – more than 2,900 union families have benefited from the program. Current and retired members of CSEA, as well as spouses and dependent children, are eligible to apply.
For Portener, the scholarship Andrew earned through Union Plus was another in a long list of reasons that she values being a member of CSEA.
Learn more about the Union Plus
Scholarship Program
CSEA member Susan Portener encouraged her son to apply for the Union Plus scholarship after learning that he wanted to go to college. Her son, Andrew, earned a $1000 scholarship which he applied to his first semester tuition.
UFCW Member Snags Deluxe Wheels for Miami Trip
For Joshua Wilkins, the vacation was long-awaited. Headed to Florida for a family wedding, the UFCW Local 700 member was keen on extending his time to take a trip with his friends. Their destination? Miami.
Wilkins heads up the dairy section of a Kroger grocery in suburban Indianapolis. He also serves as a union rep at the store and stays politically active with his local.
The biggest challenge for trip-leader Wilkins was figuring out how he was going to afford a rental car.
“I was looking one night and then it hit me – I went to unionplus.org,” recalls Wilkins.
Working with the Hertz agent he contacted through the Union Plus website, Wilkins was able to get an initial discount that took hundreds of dollars off a large SUV for the week. Then the agent had an idea – why not simply rent a full-sized car and join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards?
“It was an amazing move,” says Wilkins. “I was able to obtain an additional $400 in savings by taking the agent’s advice, and when I got to Miami, I upgraded to a GMC Yukon XL that I rented at $800 for the entire week. My friends were blown away.”
Wilkins and his buddies used the vehicle to get explore deeper parts of the Everglades to see alligators, visit Little Havana and tool around South Beach for the night life.
“The trip was epic, and we had such a great time,” Wilkins reminisces.
Union Plus Car Rental rates are available exclusively to current and retired union members and their families. Visit unionplus.org/carrental to explore your options and start planning your next vacation.
When Joshua Wilkins, a UFCW Local 700 member, was looking to extend a trip to South Florida and needed a rental car, he turned to the Union Plus Car Rental program and saved hundreds of dollars. Union members can save up to 25% at six of the top car rental companies, including Avis, Budget and Hertz, which have union employees at many locations.
Labor Leader Turns to Union Plus Mortgage Company
In 2010, local union organizer Tefere Gebre and his wife Jennifer joined the millions of working families underwater as their San Diego home lost most of its value during the national mortgage crisis.
A few years after short selling their home and moving into a rental, Gebre and his wife relocated to the east coast when he earned a national leadership role as the AFL-CIO’s Executive Vice President.
They were able to buy a new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, but were saddled with a high interest rate mortgage.
“As soon as I joined the Union Plus board, we saw the opportunity to build a great mortgage program for union members and their families,” Gebre recalls.
The Union Plus Mortgage Company (UPMC), founded in 2016 by the AFL-CIO, is designed so that the labor movement gains as UPMC grows and prospers. Union members and their families are eligible to apply for financing through UPMC, which is union-owned and staffed by unionized loan officers.
“Refinancing with UPMC was so simple and hassle-free,” Gebre shares. “Our refinanced mortgage saves us more than $600 per month.”
The Union Plus Mortgage Program, with financing available through Union Plus Mortgage Company, is available for all eligible union members.
Qualifying members are eligible for special benefits for first-time homebuyers as well as:
- A $500 gift card after closing for purchasing or refinancing a home
- Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment or strike/lockout
- Veterans of the Armed Services are eligible to apply for a one-time $1000 Union Plus Veterans Grant
For more information, visit unionplusmortgage.com or call 855 UNION 53 (855-864-6653).
The AFL-CIO, Union Privilege and a group of unions own Union Plus Mortgage Company and will benefit if you get your loan through the company. However, you are not required to use Union Plus Mortgage for your loan and are free to shop. For your Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure Statement, please visit www.unionplusmortgage.com.
Union Plus Mortgage Company has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services.
AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre used the Union Plus Mortgage Company to refinance a high interest mortgage on his new home. The Union Plus Mortgage Program, with financing available through Union Plus Mortgage Company, is available for all eligible union members.
AFT Member Finds Better Medicare Plan with Help from Union Plus
Albuquerque Teachers Federation (AFT Local 1420) member Meredith Bunting grew tired of paying high monthly Medicare supplement rates. A fellow AFT member recommended exploring her options through the Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance Program1, which Bunting did during the open enrollment period.
“I wanted to see if I could find a better plan than the one I had, and the representative recommended a Medicare Advantage plan that a friend had also recommended,” Bunting recalled.
The Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance Program partners with Medicare.com, powered by eHealth, to help union members and retirees—and their Medicare-eligible family members—navigate Medicare plan options and choose the plan that best suits their needs. There is no additional cost for using the Union Plus service, and there is no obligation to enroll in a plan.
“I was amazed that I don’t pay a monthly premium with the plan I found through the Union Plus service,” Bunting said. “I was paying $109 per month with my previous plan. Now, I don’t pay anything.”
Union members and other eligible program participants can find and compare plans over the phone or online. The program has licensed insurance advisors who can provide needed information over the phone and help participants assess plans based on their individual concerns.
The online recommendation tool allows participants to enter their budget and health needs information and then shows a comparison of plans in the applicant’s area based on monthly premiums and annual deductibles, as well as copayments and coinsurance for various services.
“It’s been a good plan so far, and I really appreciate the help I received through the Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance Program,” Bunting said. “Using this service from my union made everything so much easier.”
1) Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance is a program of Union Plus. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information
AFT member Meredith Bunting of Albuquerque, New Mexico, wanted to reduce her monthly Medicare supplement rates. She explored her options during the open enrollment period and was able to save with the Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance Program.
New Car Brings Improved Commute for OPEIU Member
Boston has a reputation for having the nation’s worst gridlock. Still, each day, Sharon Matthews, who is a member of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 6, makes the commute from her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts to her job at the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court.
One day, Matthews’ trusty car’s check engine light illuminated. She faced the all-too-common conundrum: to repair or to replace?
“It required major exhaust and emissions systems work,” recounts Matthews. “That means it was going to be very expensive.”
Then, she remembered getting a piece of mail that highlighted the Union Plus Auto Buying service. Matthews logged onto the Union Plus website and began seriously considering a new car purchase.
The Union Plus Auto Buying Service partners with price-comparison service TrueCar to let union members research pre-screened and certified dealers, see prices online, and get additional dealer discounts, in addition to offering rebates for union-made cars.
“I found a union-made car and a car dealership that was union friendly,” Matthews recalls. “They gave me a discount on the spot. I got the cutest Chevrolet Sonic in blue. It’s easy to park on the city streets and it gets great mileage. I love driving it to work.”
The vehicle Matthews purchased made her eligible for the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. Union Plus automatically sends rebate checks to members who purchase qualifying union-made vehicles, with no additional paperwork from the member.
“The savings were great,” says Matthews happily. “What I didn’t expect was the rebate I received in the mail. I was in total shock.
“I can’t say enough good things about Union Plus,” she enthuses. “They save union members so much money and their benefits are great.”
* Between 7/1/17 and 9/30/17, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,383. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.
**EPA Green Car Make and Models Include:
- Chevrolet — Bolt, Volt, Cruze***, and Sonic***
- Chrysler — Pacifica Hybrid
- Ford — Focus
*** Check the VIN number of these vehicles. Some are assembled in Mexico and begin with the number 3. These are not eligible for rebates.
Sharon Matthews, who is a member of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) used the Union Plus Auto Buying service to find and purchase a union-made vehicle. Because she bought a union-made vehicle, she was eligible for additional savings through Union Plus.
Rolling Down the Freeway LA Leader Uses Union Plus to Get New Wheels
Working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles requires a lot of support and a working car. That’s why Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) administrator Grace Danziger was so excited to get help from Union Plus with her latest car purchase when the lease on her old car was ending.
“I have been receiving Union Plus benefit emails for quite some time,” Danziger recalls. “The auto buying program caught my eye.”
“Choosing a plug-in hybrid was important for environmental and economic concerns,” Danziger notes, adding that she and her husband Marc wanted to find the best deal possible.
That is why they decided to take advantage of the Union Plus partnership with the price-comparison service TrueCar. The Union Plus Auto Buying Service lets members research pre-screened and certified dealers, see prices online, and get additional dealer discounts, in addition to offering rebates for union-made cars.
In addition to enjoying an easy search and application process, Danziger says that she felt personal support from the Union Plus partnership as well.
“I feel like we were taken extra care of,” she says, noting that the dealer they bought from was affiliated with Union Plus. “They had great customer service and they made buying our car a worry-free experience.”
To top it all off, the Union Plus service added a $200 rebate to the deal since the Danzigers bought a new union-made car and a hybrid at that.
Danziger says that the entire process was “so easy that it felt like we received a gift!”
"Union Plus offers so many ways workers can save money on things they are already doing like buying cars and taking vacations,” Danziger concludes. “All union members and staffers should take advantage of Union Plus programs!"
To learn more about the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, visit unionplus.org/autobuying.
* Between 7/1/17 and 9/30/17, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,383. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.
**EPA Green Car Make and Models Include:
- Chevrolet — Bolt, Volt, Cruze***, and Sonic***
- Chrysler — Pacifica Hybrid
- Ford — Focus
***Models are made in both the US and Mexico. Vehicles with VIN beginning with the number 3 are ineligible.
SAG-AFTRA administrator Grace Danziger wanted to purchase a plug-in hybrid for the best price possible. She turned to the Union Plus Auto Buying Service and was able to get a great deal on her new hybrid.
AFSCME Member Endorses Union Plus
Avinger is a Clerk 3 Typist for the Fire Department. She sees her office and the people she works with as family. That’s because in her own crisis of loss, they rallied around her with uncommon love and presence.
“I’ve had several deaths in my family since I joined the Department 10 years ago – my mother, brother and oldest sister,” she said. “People I work with came to the funeral services, prayed with me, and even the city’s Fire Commissioner made sure I was all right. I didn’t feel like an employee. They didn’t have to do any of that. They just made me feel special.”
Avinger seeks to deliver that same care and sensitivity among firefighters and paramedics she serves. She encourages and prays for them as they collaborate on finalizing paperwork prior to even their entering the hospital, and sometimes, she visits them as they recover.
Devout in her faith and deeply involved in her faith community, she believes her work is an extension of how she believes others should be treated. This desire has made her a strong union member who works behind the scenes to advocate for her district’s people.
Three years ago, she also sought to advocate for herself by focusing on building up her credit. Having seen the AFSCME Advantage Credit Card Program1 information online and in the mail, she saw how easy it was to apply and went for it.
Current and retired union members, and often their family members, are eligible to apply for the Union Plus Credit Card Program. Each card has $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen2, which means card holders can shop with confidence and be assured they are protected if the card is lost or stolen. Additionally, eligible card holders may apply for and gain access to hardship assistance grants in the event they are in need of specific help through a range of life events3.
“I use this card for everything – online purchases, grocery shopping and even get a couple dollars out every now and then with a cash advance,” she said.
Avinger believes the card can help build credit with responsible use.
“My AFSCME Advantage Credit Card works for me. I’d recommend Union Plus to any union member,” she said. “In fact, my 23-year-old son is about to start his first job, and I’ve told him I think he should consider applying for it.”
The Union Plus Credit Card is made available in partnership with Capital One. It is backed by the highly rated Capital One Mobile app, which is designed for a simple mobile experience, making it even easier to manage your account.
To learn more and apply visit theunioncard.com.
1The Union Plus Credit Card is issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated.
2$0 Fraud Liability claims are subject to investigation and verification.
3Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at unionplus.org/assistance.
The fire department in one Pennsylvania city averages up to eight severe structure fires each day. If a firefighter gets injured on the job, AFSCME District Council 33 member Angela Avinger processes their paperwork.
Free College Program Helps Single Mom Achieve Lifelong Dream
Since grade school, Lorraine Llauger has had her heart set on earning a college degree. But until recently it looked like she’d never achieve her dream.
Llauger, of Kissimmee, Florida, is a journeyman electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 606 in Orlando. She is also a single mom raising two children on her own.
“I never thought I’d be going to college. I thought, where am I going to find the time? I can’t go off to a campus,” she reflects.
One day, her coworker mentioned the Union Plus Free College Program. Within weeks, Llauger was registered and taking classes online.
The Union Plus Free College Program partners with AFSCME and Eastern Gateway Community College to offer online courses and degree programs with no out of pocket cost to active or retired union members and their eligible family members, including spouses and children.
Llauger is now working towards an associate degree in Business Management, at her own convenience.
“My favorite thing is that I can be anywhere where there is internet,” Llauger enthuses. “For Union Plus to provide an online course, free, that’s amazing.”
Of her future plans, Llauger says, “More doors will open. I’m a single parent, so it’s even more exciting that I can advance myself with this program.”
Llauger has a message for other union members: “I definitely recommend the Union Plus Free College program. A lot of people entering the trades never thought they could make it to college. Getting this opportunity makes everything so much simpler.”
Visit www.unionplusfreecollege.org or call 888-590-9009.
Lorraine Llauger is a journeyman electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Orlando, Florida. Llauger hoped to earn a college degree, but did not know how she'd be able to fit college in with her busy life as an electrician and a mother. A coworker mentioned the Union Plus Free College Program, and within weeks, Llauger was registered and taking classes online.
Digging for Support: Arizona Copper Miner Gets Help from Union Plus
Driving an enormous truck in and out of the Arizona copper mines does not leave Frances “Frankie” Estep much time to deal with personal finances. That is why she was so grateful to find the supportive team at Union Plus when it came time for her to finally purchase her first home.
“I am a member of International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 104,” the 63-year-old Estep says proudly. “I have found the Teamsters to be excellent at protecting and defending their members.”
When it came time for Estep to purchase her first home, she turned to the Union Plus Mortgage Program.
“My then union president told me to check out the Union Plus website,” Estep explains.
While she was working with Union Plus (and their financial partners at Wells Fargo), Estep decided to enter the “Spring into Renovation” Sweepstakes.
“Entering the ‘Spring into Renovation’ Sweepstakes was easy,” she says. “I just filled out a form on the Union Plus website.”
Estep won $2,000, which she plans to use to take a vacation and do some work on the backyard of her new home. These are not the only benefits she has garnered from her relationship with Union Plus, however. In fact, she recommends the organization to everyone.
“I always suggest Union Plus to everyone who is a union member,” Estep says. “It's well worth looking into, and the mortgage program is awesome!”
The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing available through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, is available for all eligible union members.
For qualifying members, special benefits include:
- A My Mortgage GiftSM award from Wells Fargo after closing – $500 for buying a home, or $300 for refinancing a home – for use at participating retailers.1
- Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment or strike/lockout.2
For more information, visit unionplus.org/mortgage.
1Eligible individuals can receive the Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award approximately 6 weeks after closing on a new purchase or refinance loan secured by an eligible first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (“New Loan”), subject to qualification, approval and closing, when identifying themselves as eligible. The My Mortgage GiftSM award is not available with The Relocation Mortgage Program® or to any Wells Fargo team member. Only one My Mortgage Gift award is permitted per eligible New Loan. This award cannot be combined with any other award, discount or rebate, except for yourFirstMortgageSM. This award is void where prohibited, transferable, and subject to change or cancellation with no prior notice. Awards may constitute taxable income. Federal, state and local taxes, and any use of the award not otherwise specified in the Terms and Conditions (also provided at receipt of award) are the sole responsibility of the My Mortgage GiftSM recipient.
2The Union Plus® Mortgage Assistance Program is provided and administered through the AFL-CIO Mutual Benefit Plan (“The Plan”), which is not affiliated with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Additional information about this program and eligibility criteria can be obtained at www.unionplus.org/assistance.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services. You are encouraged to shop around to ensure you are receiving the services and loan terms that fit your home financing needs.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2018 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) member Frances "Frankie" Estep turned to the Union Plus Mortgage Program when she purchased her first home. Estep then entered the Union Plus Spring into Renovation Sweepstakes and won $2,000 which she intends to use to take a vacation and make upgrades on her new home.