Precision Custom Components workers, unhappy with proposed health insurance, go on strike

Sept. 03--Precision Custom Components machinists are on strike, claiming that the company-proposed health insurance package would be too costly for employees and their families, the union president said.

Art Hendrix, Precision Custom Components spokesman, did not return phone calls for comment. The company, based in York, makes industrial and military parts for things like submarines and spent nuclear fuel storage containers.

Earl Shue, president of the union at the company, said Precision and its employees have been in contract negotiations.

Shue said that under the previous health insurance, there was a $200 deductible for employees or $400 for families. The company paid 80 percent of costs up to $1,500 per employee or $3,000 per family, after which the company paid 100 percent.

Shue said the proposed insurance package would have a $2,000 deductible for employees and $4,000 for families. The company then would pay 80 percent up to a certain number, determined based upon the number of children in a worker's family. The company would pay a maximum of $11,000.

Shue said the proposed insurance plan also includes a clause that caps coverage at $50,000 for employees who are injured while riding or being a passenger on a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or trike. Shue said that, because health insurance policies change each year, he and other employees are worried that the coverage limitations for motorcyclists could lead to further caps on activities that the company deems to be risky.

"Where's it going to stop?" Shue asked. "Jet skis, muscle cars, horseback riding? We feel we deserve a better contract."

Bob Patton, a partner at The Patton Group, a York-based independent insurance agency, said that state mandates prevent employer insurance plans from excluding coverage for specific activities such as motorcycling.

Patton, whose agency specializes in employee benefit programs, said employers can cap coverage for activities such as motorcycling by using company-funded employee benefit plans called "administrative services only" agreements. It could not be determined whether Precision has proposed using such an agreement.

Patton said that the motorcycle exclusion leaves motorcycle-riding employees in a tough situation: choose to assume the risk of riding with limited coverage, or purchase coverage outside of the employer.

Rick Will, a picketing machinist who has worked at the fabrication shop for 41 years, said that, of the roughly 130 union employees at the company, about 50 of them are motorcycle riders.

Picketing machinist Steve Koller saw the motorcycle coverage cap as part of a larger trend of companies getting involved with what employees do when they're off the clock.

"We don't want controlled outside the shop," Koller said.

For Brandon Womack, a picketing machinist, motorcycles were the least of his concerns.

"I got four kids," Womack said. "I'd go broke paying medical bills."

--From 2009: Precision ratifies agreement

--Sen. Casey visits Precision Custom Components

--From 2012: Precision Custom Components laying off 24 at York plant

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