In our interview with AGMA this month, they mentioned their participation in, “Union Privilege.” No one on our staff had heard about it and no singers we contacted had heard about it either, so CS contacted the company itself and received some very exciting and helpful information. You may have noticed on official AGMA documents that they are affiliated with AFL-CIO. Union Privilege is a benefit of that affiliation. We spoke with Keith Ervin, who works in the marketing and research department at AGMA.
What is “Union Privilege”?
Union Privilege is a company offering benefits to union members. Years ago, the AFL-CIO figured that rather than having each individual union bargain for benefits, we would group all the internationals together. This way we could bargain collectively for better deals. We currently have something like 13 million members–and that is a lot of bargaining clout. Our motto is that union membership has its privilege.
What do you offer union members?
Currently, we offer low cost on credit cards, mortgages, loans, life insurance, legal services, dental program, accident insurance as well as discounts on car rentals and much more. (See chart.) AGMA is signed up for everything we offer except our credit card program. I don’t know why. It doesn’t cost the union anything and in fact generates revenues. I came here from the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union and they didn’t offer the credit card either. Perhaps the ILGWU was concerned that the ILGWU was made up of low-wage earners and they would get denied. If AGMA members want to add this, they need to lobby their leaders to get it.
Who pays for this program?
Union Privilege is not in the business of making money; it is a not-for-profit organization. This means that at the end of the year, we have zero dollars. We generate just enough to pay for salaries, rent, marketing, printing of materials, etc. We are not funded by dues from the unions, but rather by other revenues. An example is our credit card program. We get paid royalties–a percentage on the credit card–by the credit card company since we endorse their product. We get a little money from some of the other programs as well.
What is the connection to AFL-CIO?
Despite the AFL-CIO affiliation, we are a separate organization. However, John Sweeney, President of AFL-CIO, is our Chairman and Rich Trumka also sits on our board.
Why have we never heard of this program?
You are the very first AGMA member I’ve ever talked to so perhaps we aren’t doing a good job of marketing our services. A lot of times we have to rely on the unions to get information out to their members.
How would singers access these benefits?
Call the numbers we list and identify themselves as AGMA members. You don’t have to show a card. We go on the honor system.
UNION PRIVILEGE
Mortgage and Real Estate Program
800/848-6466 (for details)
Loan Program
888/235-2759 (to apply)
Life Insurance
800/899-2782 (for details)
Legal Service
800/452-9425 (for a lawyer near you)
Union Member Dental Program
800/257-8352 (to join)
Union Member Accident Insurance
800/899-2782 (for details)
Union Family Savers
Walt Disney World Hotel Leisure Travel Discount 800/248/-890 (ask for union leisure rate)
Hertz Rental Car
800/654-2200 (have union ID # ready)
National Ear Care Plan
800/766-3363
Educational Resources Discount
888/733-READ
Union-Made Checks
888/864-6625
Union Member Flower Service
888/667-7779 (to order)
North American Van Lines
800/524-5533 (for details)
