We here at Local 1500 are always looking for ways to improve on member benefits and add to the incredible union value you already enjoy. Most of us know and may even be familiar with the grievance process: Something happens that is outside the norm; maybe a discrepancy in your pay; or maybe you get suspended for some reason. Then you call your Rep into action, and proceed to go through the steps of the grievance process. If you have had a grievance meeting before, you know what value your union membership holds. But did you know that there are many other positive aspects of belonging to your union that you may not have heard of?
We always listen to the needs of our members and try to react to them as best as we can. If there is something that we can do to better your job, or any part of your livelihood, then speak up and let us know. We are always endeavoring to bring you better service, even in some unconventional ways.
For example, in 2025 we will be bringing you a brand-new benefit from a company named ID Resolution. This company specializes in identity theft and fraud resolution. This program, which covers the member, plus immediate family members within the same household, offers assistance to those individuals who have had their personal information fraudulently used by identity thieves.
Their Fraud Specialist works with all creditors, agencies, law enforcement, professional associations, credit reporting agencies, and collection companies. The Fraud Specialist also works with the victim, when necessary, to place fraud alerts, credit freezes, and suppressions with the three credit bureaus. Where appropriate, and at no extra charge for a period of 12 months, an extensive suite of monitoring products is provided to the victim, including cyber monitoring of credit cards, bank accounts, medical ID, and driver’s license; triple bureau credit monitoring; social security number tracing; court records monitoring, and more. ID Resolution can also help you with important personal document retrieval.
This important benefit will be paid for by Local 1500, which means no out-of-pocket cost to its membership. In this day and age, when fraud is at a seemingly all-time high, we feel this benefit will become extremely helpful. Stay tuned for more information, but there is nothing for you to do to enroll. You will automatically be enrolled by virtue of being an active member with at least 12 months of service, and you would only need to contact ID Resolution if you experience a fraudulent event.
Another benefit of your membership is one that we have had for a very long time, but not many of our members are aware
of it, or know how extensive its coverage is. Local 1500 has partnered with Open Arms/LICADD for decades, and many of our members have been helped immensely by our Member Assistance Program. Although LICADD stands for the Long Island Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency, they help with so much more than that.
Number one: They don’t only service our Long Island members; that just happens to be where their offices are located. They have helped countless Local 1500 members working or residing in New York City, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut. Number two: They do not just counsel on alcoholism or drug dependence. LICADD/ Open Arms has a wide range of services that could meet you in your time of need. Their services include counseling on anger management coping skills, grief and loss services, family services, and eating disorders, just to name a few. They provide confidential crisis intervention services, evaluation, and assessment, brief interventions, screened referrals, and follow- up services for a broad spectrum of personal concerns for our members and their families.
We have experienced members needing someone they can talk to, especially surrounding the holidays every year. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, contact LICADD on their hotline at (631) 979-1700; their licensed clinicians are available 24/7/365. Have a question or an issue that may not need an immediate response? You can contact their headquarters at (516) 747-2606, or email them at abirkenstock@licadd.org. Their website is licadd.org. Take a look for yourself at all of the services and help that they can provide you with. And always remember that as a Local 1500 member, you are never alone. Our field staff knows how to get you in contact with a counselor as soon as possible, so you can also contact your Rep if you need help. Of course, we understand and respect that you may not want share to your most sensitive issues with anyone other than a counselor, so you can reach out to LICADD directly.
We want you to know that your union membership goes much farther than your day-to-day interactions with your representative. It’s not just about getting back to work after a suspension, or needing conflict resolution at work. You have other valuable benefits available to you every day. Talk to your Union Representative for more information on these and other assistance we can provide you. And as always, thank you for your membership!
HappyNewYearfromourfamilytoyours!