The members and local 1496 staff say goodbye to a dear friend and strong leader for working families, protecting their union rights and serving the middle class. Buster will be sorely missed by his co-workers and the members that he has proudly served for over 20 years. Buster first joined the union when he moved from Missoula, Montana and went to work at Carrs #1813 in Anchorage, Alaska. He spent most of his time with the company at stores in Anchorage, working as a Meat Cutter and a Meat Manager before becoming an organizer for Alaska's UFCW in 1998. Buster then spent several years helping organize stores, shops, offices, and even transit workers in the state of Washington until moving forward in his career to become a Business Agent, Recorder, Secretary- Treasurer, and most memorably spent the last decade serving as President. Since 2010 he has fought to get more money in members pockets at the bargaining table while keeping comprehensive health care plans that members can enjoy at low copays and out of pocket deductibles. We wish him well as he plans on spending more time with his wife Suzi, his children and grandchildren.
Congratulations!
DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA? EVERY UFCW MEMBER CAN TAKE G.E.D. CLASSES FREE
UFCW members can take GED classes for free. Members can take General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for free through Essential GED. This GED program offers a customized learning plan, so that you'll be able to successfully prepare yourself to pass the GED test, regardless of when you last went to school. This program also allows you to study at your own pace-all classes are self-guided and can be completed from your phone or tablet. If you are interested in using this benefit, please contact the UFCW educational help desk at [email protected]
It may take a few days to verify your UFCW membership. However, once confirmed, you'll receive an e-mail that explains how to login and begin taking free online GED classes. At this time this benefit is only available to UFCW members and retirees.
FREE COLLEGE FOR UFCW MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
The UFCW Free College Benefit ensures that UFCW members and their families do not have to pay out of pocket for any tuition, fees or e-books at Eastern Gateway Community College-resulting in cost savings of thousands of dollars! The Free College Benefit covers any amount for tuition, fees or books that is not covered by federal or employer education grants. Children (or step children), grandchildren (or step grandchildren), spouses, domestic partners and financial dependents of UFCW members are eligible for the UFCW Free College Benefit! The process is simple and can save you a lot of money. Check it out at www.ufcwfreecollege.org or call 888-590-9009.
Upcoming Spring Semester start date: March 15th, 2021
BRIDGEHEALTH: FREE, FIRST CLASS SURGERY
Through BridgeHealth, plan participants can have many non-urgent surgeries-like total hip or knee replacement, coronary artery bypass graft or spinal fusion performed by top rated surgeons in premier facilities across the country-at no cost to you! All costs, from pre-surgery doctor visit to post-surgery doctor visit are paid for the participant. Travel expenses are included (airfare, lodging and food) for the participant and a companion to accompany them as a caregiver. Check it out at www.bridgehealthmedical.com or call
1-800-387-3909
UFCW LOCAL 1496 PREFERRED DENTISTS
Todd C. Miles, DDS and Affordable Dental Care Offices accept our UFCW plan as payment in full. This means you pay NOTHING for dental care provided within the limits of your plan. Simply give them a call and inform them you are a Local 1496 member. The staff will confirm your eligibility and schedule an appointment. You may also check your eligibility by calling Labor Trust Services at 907-561-5991 or 1-800-325-6532 ext.4241. If you are not covered by the UFCW Trust Dental Plan you may still realize savings of up to 50%. Call an office for details!
Todd C. Miles, DDS
880 N. Street #301
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907)276-7787
Affordable Dental Care
Anchorage: 401 Lake Otis Pkwy. Suite 200
(907)222-0400
Fairbanks: 503 14th Ave.
(907)374-3888
Wasilla: 701 E. Parks Hwy. Suite 209
(907)376-3368