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CSEA Member Goes Back to School with Union Plus
Matthew Colwell of Escondido, California, is a goal-setter.
Colwell has been a member of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 241 in San Dieguito, California for over 19 years and is a network technician. He feels that his lack of college degree has held him back from professional advancement opportunities in the past.
“Getting a management level job is something I’ve had as a goal for a number of years and I just haven’t been able to promote into those opportunities,” he laments.
So just weeks after Colwell saw a Union Plus email about its Free College program, he started taking classes towards a Business Management associate degree.
Colwell says, “With this education, my hope is that I can better equip myself to get one of those jobs when they become available.”
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.
Colwell notes, “One of the reasons I haven’t gone back to college until now is just the cost associated with it.”
He also emphasizes the convenience of taking online courses and admits, “If I had to go sit in a classroom and do traditional college-type coursework, I don’t know that I could do it.”
Colwell encourages his fellow CSEA members to use the program as well.
“The Union Plus Free College Program is a huge benefit – not only the fact that members are entitled to this benefit, but also their spouses and children,” Colwell concludes. “This will give the nudge to new hires who are thinking about joining CSEA.”
Learn More About the Union Plus
Free College Program or call 888-590-9009
California School Employees Association (CSEA) member Matthew Colwell hopes to get a management level job. He plans to do so by equipping himself with more education through the Union Plus Free College program. The program will allow Matthew to earn a Business Management associate degree online with no out-of-pocket costs.
AFT member and Army Vet Saves on New Home
José Acevedo served in the U.S. Army before teaching high school history in New York City. After being stationed in the Panama Canal Zone from 1974 to 1977, he spent the next 30-plus years teaching ninth and tenth grade and became a member of AFT.
“I loved teaching global history – not just American history,” said Acevedo.
Many of Acevedo’s students were immigrants and he wanted to make sure that they knew how they fit into the American story.
“Teaching was very demanding,” he reflected. “Yet when you feel like you’re making a difference, that’s when it’s most rewarding.”
Upon retirement, Acevedo sought to catch up on interests and hobbies he’d neglected during his teaching career. As he was financing his new home in a quiet section of the Bronx, he discovered the Union Plus Mortgage Veterans Grant.
“I received a $500 gift card for being a union member and then discovered I was eligible for the Mortgage Veterans Grant. I was so glad that I found it,” said Acevedo. “We used it for furnishings in our new apartment. It was so helpful as we settled in.”
Acevedo feels well taken care of by Union Plus.
“After I proved that I was qualified for my grant, everything went so smoothly. I would really recommend this to other veterans,” he said.
If you have served in the military and are an active or retired member of a union and you have financed your primary residence through the Union Plus Mortgage Program, you may qualify for the Mortgage Veterans Grant*.
To learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage Program and the new Mortgage Veterans Grant, please visit unionplus.org/mortgage.
*If you're an active-duty veteran of the United States Armed Forces and an active or retired union member who obtained a Union Plus Mortgage to finance your primary residence, you may be eligible to apply for this special $1,000 grant. You must submit an application for a Veterans Grant within 90 days of your closing date.
AFT member and veteran José Acevedo financed his new home with the Union Plus Mortgage Program, by being a union member and a veteran he was eligible for additional savings with the Union Plus Mortgage Veterans Grant.
Long-Time Union Member Enjoys AT&T Savings with Union Plus
Taff is a proud Union Plus Credit Cardholder. Recently, Taff took advantage of one of the benefits offered by Union Plus when he earned a $100 AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate.
“Union Plus is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, and that’s most important to me,” Taff said. “I always try to use union-friendly companies.”
As a Union Plus Credit Cardholder, you may be eligible to receive a $100 rebate on an upgrade or new purchase of a smartphone, and if you switch to AT&T from another provider, you may be eligible for up to a $250 rebate when switching to AT&T (qualifying monthly data plan required).1
Additionally, union members and retirees can save 15 percent on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans from AT&T through Union Plus.2 (Requires valid proof of membership with an AFL-CIO member union by the account holder. Additional restrictions apply.) Visit unionplus.org/att for details.
"I highly recommend AT&T, and not only for cell service,” Taff said. “We’ve had AT&T landlines at my residence as long as I can remember, and AT&T cell service is second to none. I’m very happy with AT&T.”
Taff found the AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate application process to be easy. He simply filled out the form and returned it to Union Plus.
“The person who received my application walked me through the process and made sure I had the correct identification number on my account,” Taff said. “Once that was squared away, there was no problem. I received my rebate in a very timely manner.”
Taff said he receives monthly email updates about Union Plus rebates, discounts and other benefits.
“When other union members ask about Union Plus, I always tell them that this is the credit card program your union supports,” Taff said. “There is a link to Union Plus on the union’s website, and all the benefits are explained there. I’ve always tried to support the union in everything I do.”
Stay connected with Union Plus and learn more about the more than 25 programs and discounts available for union members and their families. Follow Union Plus on Facebook or register to receive updates on Union Plus programs at unionplus.org.
1The qualifying smartphone & data plan purchase must be made after April 1, 2012. You must be using the 15% AT&T Wireless Discount through Union Plus. You must use your Union Plus Credit Card when purchasing your new smartphone and data plan features. Your rebate will cover the costs of your qualifying smartphone upgrade and one month of the qualifying data plan services up to $100. You must be a Union Plus Credit Cardholder in good-standing. You can only receive one AT&T smartphone and change of service rebate per union member per lifetime. Rebates are for union members only. You may need to submit further proof of your union membership upon request by Union Plus. Rebates are only available while funds last, so checks will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis.
215% ON THE MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE of QUALIFIED WIRELESS PLANS: Available only to current members of qualified AFL-CIO member unions, other authorized individuals associated with eligible unions and other sponsoring organizations with a qualifying agreement. Must provide acceptable proof of union membership such as a membership card from your local union, a pay stub showing dues deduction or the Union Plus Member Discount Card and subscribe to service under an individual account for which the member is personally liable. Offer contingent upon in-store verification of union member status. Discount subject to agreement between Union Privilege and AT&T and may be interrupted, changed or discontinued without notice. Discount applies only to recurring monthly service charge of qualified voice and data plans, not overages. Not available with unlimited voice or unlimited data plans. For Family Talk, applies only to primary line. For all Mobile Share plans, applies only to monthly plan charge of plans with 1GB or more, not to additional monthly device access charges. Additional restrictions apply. May take up to 2 bill cycles after eligibility confirmed and will not apply to prior charges. Applied after application of any available credit. May not be combined with other service discounts. Visit unionplus.org/att or contact AT&T at 800-331-0500 for details.
The Union Plus Credit Card is issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated.
Dennis Taff has been a proud union member for more than thirty years serving as a local steward and eventually a national union representative. Throughout his working career, Taff has always tried to support the union cause.
Giving His All Florida Educator Sees How Union Life Pays Off
Though he spends a great deal of time making sure that his fellow educators feel at home, Florida Education Association (FEA) staff member Dr. Kerr Fazzone waited a while before purchasing a home of his own. When he did, however, he knew just who to call.
“I found out about Union Plus from one of my colleagues,” Fazzone says of the Union Plus Mortgage Program. “I reached out immediately after we decided to begin actively looking for a home.”
Since that first phone call, Fazzone says the Union Plus service has been “impeccable.”
“Our loan officer made the entire process simple,” he recalls. “He found the best mortgage for us and helped us decide the best time to lock in the interest rate.”
Fazzone notes that his Union Plus representative also walked him through every step of the process and remained in close contact with his realtor, insurance agent, and the title company.
Fazzone was so impressed, in fact, that he has already recommended the Union Plus Mortgage Program to others.
“I work for the Florida Education Association,” Fazzone says, “which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the AFL-CIO, and the National Education Association (NEA). I’m pleased with the experience of using the Union Plus program.”
“The union experience is unlike anything I have experienced before moving to Florida,” he maintains. “It is comforting to know that you belong to an organization that advocates for better working conditions for its members.”
Qualifying AFT 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
For more information, visit unionplusmortgage.com.
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.
Only union members of participating unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO, their parents and children who receive a mortgage from the Union Plus Mortgage Company are eligible for the mortgage assistance program. Only members of participating unions who receive a mortgage from the Union Plus Mortgage Company are eligible for the First-Time Homebuyer Award.
NMLS Number 1561829
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Dr. Kerr Fazzone is glad he used the Union Plus Mortgage Company when he was ready to purchase his first home. Fazzone was able to close on his new home with the assistance of the Union Plus representative who helped him every step of the way.
Flowers Brighten the Day for IAM Member
As a part of International Association of Machinists Local 727N member Yvette Sheehan’s job as executive assistant to the president at Guide Dogs of America, she orders flowers or gifts.
The Union Plus Flower Discount Program—and the Teleflora website—has helped make her job easier.
“Part of my job sometimes includes ordering flowers and Union Plus is my bookmark for flowers,” Sheehan said.
Since GDA is a nonprofit that supplies guide dogs free of charge, every dollar counts.
“It is good to know that Union Plus has negotiated rates with discounts giving union members the best bang for our buck,” she said.
She enjoys seeing ideas for floral arrangements from the Teleflora website because they show her the latest in arrangements. She especially appreciates the “deal of the day,” which showcases flowers that are in season at a great price.
But perhaps nothing beats the online ordering convenience.
“I have received exceptional customer service,” she said. “If I order something and the local vendor doesn’t have it, I get an email. And if I don’t respond to the email, then I receive a phone call asking for an alternative.”
Order beautiful flower arrangements and gift baskets through the Union Plus discount program and make someone’s day. Flowers are perfect for birthdays and holidays, and is a lovely way to say, "Get well," "Thank you!” or “Congrats.” Union members, retirees and family members save 20% to 25% by visiting unionplus.org/flowers or calling 888-667-7779.
The Union Plus Flower Discount Program has helped to make it easier for Yvette Sheehan to order floral arrangements and gifts. She enjoys seeing ideas for floral arrangements from the Teleflora website because they show her the latest in arrangements. She especially appreciates the “deal of the day,” which showcases flowers that are in season at a great price.
Retired IAM Member Stands by the Union Plus Credit Card
Sherman worked on rental trucks for his entire 30-year career. He performed bumper to bumper services on a constantly evolving fleet of trucks.
“I loved being a mechanic and getting a shot at working on all different types of stuff each day – anything that would keep those trucks rolling down the road,” he said. “I also enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow union members and teaching new mechanics as they came up through the ranks.”
During and after his career, Sherman has used the Union Plus Credit Card for nearly all of his purchases. He appreciates that it is unquestionably a union-backed card.
“I would highly recommend the Union Plus Credit Card to all union members,” said Sherman. “I’ve lived a lot of life and gone through a lot. The folks behind the Union Plus Credit Card have always stuck with me.”
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. Additionally, eligible card holders may gain access to hardship assistance grants in the event they are in need of specific help through a range of life events.2
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.
2Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at unionplus.org/assistance.
“I still remember the day 25 years ago when I got the newsletter and saw that there was an offer through my union for the Union Plus Credit Card Program1,” said Paul Sherman, a retired International Association of Machinists (IAM) member.
Financial Expert Gets Help from Union Plus
Though she has been a financial analyst for some time, when it came time to buy a first home, Sharon, Mass. native Stacey Sullivan knew just where to turn.
“My husband is a member of AFSCME Council 93, Local 362 and we both value the discounts and programs available to us through his union,” Sullivan explains, noting that she has followed the AFSCME Advantage and Union Plus Facebook feeds for some time and had heard about the financial support offerings.
“There was a Union Plus advertisement for mortgages. I clicked on it and reached out to them.”
Within a matter of weeks, the Sullivans had found a new home and had the mortgage in place.
“Our experience with everyone at Union Plus Mortgage Company was wonderful,” she asserts, praising the website (www.unionplusmortgage.com) which was easy to deal with and helpful throughout the process.
“The ease of the online portal to upload the documents was super convenient,” Sullivan says.
Working with UPMC made Sullivan even more pleased and proud to be part of a union family.
“The Union Plus experience has been great,” she maintains. “My family really enjoys all of the benefits that it has to offer as well as all of the support.”
Though Sullivan had been aware of the possible perks of her husband’s union membership for some time, she observes that many others may not be aware, even if they are part of a union.
“I think that not everyone is aware of the Union Plus member perks,” she says. “This was definitely one that I am so glad we utilized!”
The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing available through Union Plus Mortgage Company, is available for all eligible union members. It is union-owned and staffed by unionized loan officers.
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.
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.
Only members of participating unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO, their parents and children who receive a mortgage from the Union Plus Mortgage Company are eligible for the Mortgage Assistance Program.
Stacey Sullivan and her husband, who is an AFSCME member, knew just where to turn when they were looking to buy their first home. With the Union Plus Mortgage Company, the Sullivans were able to buy their new home in a short period of time.
Send the "Best Flowers” with Union Plus
Thanks to her AFSCME Advantage benefits, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 828 Member Cathi Infantino has continued to use the Union Plus Flower Discount Program for years and “could not be more satisfied.”
“I have had them delivered to various locations: Florida, Texas and of course upstate New York,” Infantino said. “My mother-in-law always tells me that we send the best flowers. Our recipients could not be happier.”
Not only do they arrive on time, the bouquets turn out better than she could imagine. “The best part is, as a Union Plus member, we receive 25 percent off, which doesn’t get better than that,” Infantino said.
Infantino has worked for the Town of Brighton in Rochester, N.Y. for 18 years. She currently serves as a senior dispatcher. She has served her local union as an officer in the position of secretary/treasurer for three terms.
“Our union AFSCME/CSEA Local 828 is what makes us strong and ensures that we have competitive wages, benefits and a retirement,” Infantino said. “Our crew goes above and beyond and does a great job of taking care of the Town of Brighton and its residents. We are all seasoned civil servants and take great pride in our jobs.”
As a union member, Infantino receives excellent benefits through Union Plus, she said. If members are not using the benefits, she said they “need to start now.”
Infantino has also used the Union Plus Rental Car Program.
“I am a huge bargain shopper when it comes to our vacations,” she said. “I compare websites for pricing and Union Plus can’t be beat. What makes that even better is that they use all of the well-known top-notch companies. Nothing worse than getting off the plane in an unfamiliar place and having to deal with a rental car company that is not professional, or you have to drive clear across the city on a shuttle to pick up your car.”
Order beautiful flower arrangements and gift baskets through the Union Plus discount program and make someone’s day. Flowers are perfect for birthdays and holidays, and is a lovely way to say, "Get well," "Thank you!” or “Congrats.” Union members, retirees and family members save 20% to 25% by visiting unionplus.org/flowers or calling 888-667-7779.
Union members, retirees and family members save 20% to 25% when ordering flowers with the Union Plus Flower Discount Program. AFSCME/CSEA member Cathi Infantino has been using the program for years to save on beautiful hand-delivered flower arrangements.
Union Members Talk About the AT&T Signature Program
See what members are saying about the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus below:
“We get 15 percent off because of Union Plus, and then there are the rebates. You can’t go wrong.” – Ireland W. - USW
“I’ve used AT&T even before I had a cell phone. The wireless service is dependable and the discount plan is just really great.” – Sean B. - AFT
“It’s a great benefit [program] for a union member.” – Rick K. - SAG-AFTRA
“It’s easy to sign up and it saves money.” – Suzanne F. - OPEIU
“We switched to AT&T and got our service contract discount, plus a $250 rebate. Even the basic plan is beyond what we really need, so AT&T is more than meeting our needs.” – Dennis M. - IAFF
“It’s a discount, and every little bit helps!” – Pat R. - UFCW
Over 97% of union members surveyed have recommended the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus.* Are you ready to join them?
*Recommendation claim based on the results of an email survey conducted March 2018 by Union Plus to program participants of the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus. 375 respondents; 365 answered "Yes" when asked "Would you recommend the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus to your fellow members?"
Union members are talking about the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus, and they’ve got a lot of positive things to say.
CWA Member Uses Union Plus DMP Grant to Create New Hashtag: #debtfree
“We had quite a bit of debt,” said Amanda Tanay, a Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1075 member. “My husband and I were having a hard time getting rid of it on our own.”
Tanay is copy editor and social media coordinator for Monmouth County, New Jersey’s park system. As she came off an illness that forced her to miss work, her husband lost his job.
“It was overwhelming. We tried to pay minimum balances on our credit cards, and we realized it would take us 20 to 30 years.”
The Union Plus Solution
That’s when Tanay and her husband decided to take control of their situation, and Tanay knew she could access Union Plus Credit Counseling for free through the non-profit organization Money Management International (MMI).
After their free session, the Tanays took the next step, enrolling in a customized debt management plan (DMP). They applied for and received a Union Plus DMP Grant, which defrayed the initial $75 set-up fee for the plan. After one year on the plan, they became eligible for and received $300 to reimburse them for their monthly MMI
“I would definitely encourage any CWA member who is working through challenges with debt to access the Union Plus Credit Counseling benefit, set up a plan and apply for the grant,” said Tanay. “With our plan, we’ll pay our debt off in four years, and the Union Plus Grant on top of it is amazing.”
For more information on debt management, credit counseling and all of the Union Plus Hardship Help benefits, visit unionplus.org/hardship.
Union Plus Consumer Credit Counseling is currently available in the United States, but not available in Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, and Canada.
Communications Workers of America (CWA) member Amanda Tanay and her husband were having a hard time getting rid of their debt. Because of her CWA membership, Tanay was able to take control of her situation by utilizing Union Plus Credit Counseling through the non-profit organization Money Management International (MMI).
