Thanks goes out to the Texas AFLCIO Community Services who met in Austin on June 13th. They took up a collection during the meeting to help out our Community Services Committee that in turn help our members. Thier collection was almost $200.00 and is greatly appreciated.
Pictured below from right to left is Fort Worth Community Services  Liason Charlie Galupi delivering the donation to our 776A Community Services Chair person Pauline Ramos.

(Click the picture below for a full size version)

Texas AFLCIO Officers: President Becky Moeller Secretary/Treasure John Patrick Director Lee Forbes Community Services Liasons: Lupe Arellano- El Paso Beverly Davis - Houston Katherine Thomson Garcia - San Antonio Charlie Galupi - Fort Worth Teri Ramos - San Antonio Charles Whitaker - Dallas

After Medicare questions, ADBR David Faith called the Social Security Office and got the following information for our striking
members on Medicare. Call the Social Security Office for further info.
For employees who are on Medicare A who have lost employer coverage
Have the right to acquire Part Medicare B for 2 months after the month the Employer terminates coverage;
Cost: Approximately $99.90 a month cost
Medicare Part B also makes the following available;
1.            Aetna Premium Plus Plan/HMO – No Cost
2.            Medicare Advantage Plan – No Cost
YOU must either call or visit the Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213
Or visit the Local Social Security Office at:
Federal Building
819 Taylor Street Room 1A07
Fort Worth TX 76102
If you gain “credible” Employer Coverage again you can cancel at the same contract points after 2 months.

Please use the graphic above to find out more information on your benefits of being a Union Plus Credit Card holder. There is a section within that explains the $250 Strike Grant.
The qualifications are:
1. You must be a union member or have been a union member at the time of strike or lockout.
2. You must be a Union Plus Credit Card holder for at least one year.
3. Your account must be in good standing – in other words, your payments must be up-to-date.
4. You were on strike or lockout for 30 or more consecutive days within the last six months.

For an explanation on how the strike waiver of premium works for those members at Lockheed Martin Fort Worth with supplemental insurance policies through the Machinist Custom Choices program please refer to the document below. 
Should anyone have questions on their coverage, please call our office at 1-888-521-2900.

(Click the graphic below for a full size printable version of the document)

(Electric, Gas, Mortgage, Rent & Utilities Assistance)

Fort Worth  -  817-531-5620

Arlington  -  817-548-3920

Bedford  -  817-285-4141

(707) 267-7015 Main

(877) 366-3646 24 Hour Helpline

(888) 819-3745 Toll Free

Connecting People and Services

Getting FREE information about child care, housing, transportation and other service.

This confidential and nationally-accredited service is staffed by highly trained
information and referral specialists dedicated to connecting you to the most appropriate
community organizations and government agencies in Erath, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto,
Parker, Somervell, Tarrant and Wise counties.

Just as 911 became an easy way to reach emergency medical, police and fire services,
211 is revolutionizing the way people get information about non-emergency services.
(This service also can be reached by dailing 817-258-8100)

The information specialists assess callers' needs and refer them to community services
such as:

Caregiver Support

Child Care
Financial Assistance
Food
Health Services
Housing
In-Home Services
Legal Assistance
Disaster Resources
Transportation

Tarrant County United Way is one of the Area Information Centers that make up the 211
Texas network now serving all Texas counties. 211 Texas is a program of United Way in
collaboration with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

There are plenty of jobs available at the moment. The best place to view those Job Listings is to come to the Union Hall and go visit with the Community Services desk which is open Monday thru Friday 8AM to 4PM. They have multiple requests for full and part time jobs coming in daily. If you are looking for work to help make ends meet please come down and visit with your Community Service Committee they would be glad to assist you in your search. They can also help you in other ways as well with advice and services that are available to Striking Members.

Workforce Solutions for Texas

To apply for unemployment benefits at PAX River, you can go to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation's Division of Unemployment Insurance website or call 800-827-4839. Applications will be reviewed by the Division. The determination whether you can received unemployment benefits will be made by the Maryland Division.

There have been a lot of questions about eligibility for Unemployment Benefits in the state of Texas. DL 776 IAM Business Representative Tim Smith called the Texas office. Brother Smith spoke to Ms. Molina of the Texas Workforce Commission and received the following information. Ms. Molina relayed that everyone who is not working may apply for Texas Unemployment benefits. All applications will be reviewed and then approved or denied on a case-by-case basis. You should explain that you are on strike, and you may be asked what Union you belong to, and your book number. Ms. Molina said there has been no notice at their office to deny anyone that may apply. The phone number for the Texas Workforce Commission is 800-939-6631. You can also apply online at the Texas Workforce Commission website http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/unemployment-benefits-services.html

The bottom line is, it is unknown whether anyone will be able to draw unemployment or not during the strike in Texas. The final decision on this matter lies upon the Texas Workforce Commission.