As an IAM representative, you introduce, help negotiate, support and communicate the Benefit Trust Fund plans with members and employers.
This page addresses the following topics, which can help you succeed in this role.
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How a Multiemployer Benefit Trust Fund Works
The National IAM Benefit Trust Fund is a multiemployer fund, which is managed by a Board of Trustees. The Board is made up of an equal number of Union and Employer representatives. In a multiemployer benefit trust fund, numerous companies contribute to the fund on their employees' behalf. Because the costs are spread out and risks are pooled, the fund can provide competitive benefits for the same amount of money, or less, when compared to single employer health plans. Union members are able to participate in multiemployer funds through the collective bargaining process.
The National IAM Benefit Trust Fund offers comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including prescription drugs. The Benefit Trust Fund also offers short-term disability and life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage if a participating employer also negotiates medical, dental or vision coverage into their collective bargaining agreement.
How the IAM Benefit Trust Fund Can Help Negotiate the Plan
The National IAM Benefit Trust Fund staff is here to help you prepare to negotiate the plan. Contact the Fund Office to request assistance.
We can attend meetings with your bargaining committee, membership and employer. We are also available to observe negotiating sessions and help answer any questions. You can also contact the Fund Office at any time for assistance, preferably three months (or more) in advance of the expiration of a group's collective bargaining agreement.
The Benefit Trust Fund periodically receives information about employer and union groups that do not currently participate in the Fund. The Benefit Trust Fund may send you a letter prior to the expiration of a group's collective bargaining agreement. The letter will remind you about the benefit plans offered through the National IAM Benefit Trust Fund, let you know what information is needed to begin negotiating our plans and offer our assistance in negotiating plans during the collective bargaining agreement renewal process.
We offer a variety of materials online and in print to help you educate your membership and employers about the value and benefits of joining the fund.
The Fund Office can also provide you with customized presentations to help you introduce the Benefit Trust Fund to company representatives, negotiating committees and union members, as well as non-union members (for organizing purposes). Please contact the Fund Office at any time to request such assistance.
Participation Agreement
All employers that participate in the National IAM Benefit Trust Fund must agree to the Participation Agreement, which sets forth the basis for contributions.
View and download the Benefit Trust Fund Participation Agreement (PDF).
Please see this important Addendum to the Participation Agreement (PDF).
If you encounter problems or have questions about negotiating the Participation Agreement, contact the National IAM Benefit Trust Fund Education Department or your IAM Territory Coordinator for assistance.
Affiliate Groups
Other union employees working for the same employer may also participate in the National IAM Benefit Trust Fund plans as long as the IAM employees participate.
Non-bargaining unit employees may also participate, but special rules apply.
Contact the National IAM Benefit Trust Fund Education Department for more information about affiliated groups.
You've Negotiated a Benefit Trust Fund Health Plan—Now What?
CONGRATULATIONS!
Notify the Fund Office and send us a copy of the signed Participation Agreement and signed collective bargaining agreement as soon as possible. If these documents are not ready, let us know and we will pursue them.
Once enrollment forms are received, the Fund Office will send you and the employer representative a letter of understanding outlining the plans that were negotiated and the associated rates. In addition, a Welcome Letter and Summary Plan Description booklet(s) will be sent to each covered employee.