IBCO Files Suit to Stop GIC Insurance Switch
October 28, 2009
Earlier today, IBCO filed a complaint in Suffolk Superior Court for an injunction to stop the Commonwealth from requiring county sheriffs’ employees to sign up for GIC health insurance plans.
Background: Under Chapter 61 of the Acts of 2009, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is transferring control of seven county sheriffs’ departments to the state. Part of that legislation stipulates that the collective bargaining agreements covering the various locals will continue in effect until their expirations as if the employees had not been so transferred.
IBCO interpreted this legislation to mean that the Commonwealth must continue your current benefits, through your current providers, until the expiration of your current contract in 2012. The Commonwealth interprets the county transfer legislation to mean that it must continue the benefits you have under your current contract, but that it can offer those benefits through the GIC.
In September, the union notified the Executive Office for Administration and Finance of our position, yet the Commonwealth sent notices to you and other affected employees to sign up for GIC insurance between November 2, 2009 and November 20, 2009. To keep you from having to sign up for GIC insurance, we filed for the injunction.
What happens next: Until we know the outcome of this lawsuit, please DO NOT sign up for GIC insurance when the sign-up period begins on Monday, November 2, 2009. We will be back in court on Thursday, November 5, 2009 for a hearing on the preliminary injunction.
We will keep you updated with late-breaking news on the situation on our website, www.ibco.org.