According to Bill Walsh, president of the local firefighters union, “All the major unions, including police, firefighters, teachers and highway, agreed that coalition bargaining was the way to go. Then we had to persuade the selectmen of the same.

“Fortunately, we were able to do just that during our presentation before the board. And now we’re sitting down together to hammer out an agreement on healthcare insurance for retirees, employees and their families.” Editor’s Note: While the parties can adopt Section 19, coalition bargaining does not fully take effect until the parties (retirees, unions and town) have entered into an agreement containing the specifics on the health insurance program, including premium contribution rates.

One of those, sitting at the negotiating table, is Association member Bill Marble, who retired as Holbrook’s fire chief and is now the retiree representative on the Public Employee Committee (PEC). In addition to Marble, a representative, from each of the local unions, comprises PEC, which is authorized by Section 19 to negotiate, on behalf of all retirees and employees, with officials over the town’s health insurance plans.

“As our readers know, the coalition bargaining law specifically states that our Association selects the retiree representative on PEC,” comments Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman. “Bill Marble has the qualifications, that we’re looking for, in order to fill this very important position.”

Since his retirement some 13 years ago. Marble has served as the retiree representative on Holbrook’s Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC). His tenure on the IAC enables him to bring that knowledge and experience to PEC.

“Bill was with us from the beginning to get the support we needed for coalition bargaining. He’s a great choice by the Association,” says Walsh.
Currently, Holbrook offers to its retirees the following Blue Cross products: VIP 2000 (indemnity plan), HMO Blue and Managed Blue for Seniors (Medicare supplement plan). While retirees contribute 40% to the VIP 2000 premium, their contribution, to the HMO Blue and Managed Blue is 30%.