Top  Questions Members Ask When They Call the Union

Q.  How do I get my hours?
A.  Hours are reported directly to H&W Trust – Call your employer or Northwest Administrators. Important Phone Numbers to Keep

Q. Where are my insurance cards?
A.  Sent from Premera after verification of qualifying hours from Northwest Administrators.

Q.  My Insurance was cancelled, but I’m still working – what happened?
A.  A delay in reporting of hours to NWA by the employer can result in the denial of benefits due to failure to have 100 compensable hours in a month.

Q.  How do I get my insurance back when this happens?
A.  Employer’s payroll department must contact NWA to report hours. NWA then contacts Premera and confirms eligibility. Members are often reconnected in 48 hours. Medical expenses paid out of pocket by members in these circumstances can be reimbursed by Premera; form required.

Q.  How do I apply for short-term disability?
A.  Local can forward copy of claim form and envelope. Form must be completed by member, health care provider, and employer. Payment of benefit time averages 18 days.

Q.  How do I file an L&I claim?
A.  If employer is State funded, health care provider will have state forms. If employer is self-insured, member must get form from Human Resources Department at work.

Q.  Do I have to see the Employer’s doctor?
A.  No.

Q.  Can I be written up for excessive absenteeism if I have a doctor’s note for days missed?
A.  Yes. If member files for short-term disability, however, the time may be excused.

NOTE: In cases of chronic absenteeism, read the summary of the FMLA and ADA online and speak with your union representative.

Q.  How come I never hear anything from the Union?
A.  We may not have a current address. Call the union office (206.448.7348 or 1.800.238.7348) and update your address and phone number or go to the Change of Address Form online and let us know you've moved.

Q.  I bought my tickets from a non-refundable discount broker and now I can’t get my vacation, help!
A.  Members need to secure approval of vacation or leave of absence BEFORE they buy their tickets. Nothing in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requires the employer to grant leave or vacation because the tickets are already purchased.

Q.  I need to go home to my country, but the company won’t let me go. They tell me I can quit and withdraw from the union.  What happens to my insurance?
A.  Employers have the right to grant extended LOAs “at their discretion” – and most will not. They do tell workers to quit and that they will be rehired when they return. Sometimes the employer has the worker sign a form letter resignation, which they keep on file in case they choose not to rehire worker and worker goes to union to complain.

NOTE: Call the union for information about COBRA for your medical while on LOA and call Northwest Administrators.

Q. Who do I call when I have questions about my BENEFITS?
A.  We have provided some important phone numbers to keep. Click Here for list