Request member discount presentation at next meeting, union fair
Explore value of OCSEA Extras, AFSCME Advantage, and Union Privilege

Sept. 12, 2007 - As the daughter of a former letter carriers' union president and granddaughter of two United Steel Workers, Kathleen Kelly understands the value of using consumer benefits programs to build strong unions.

In fact, this former Summit county employee and AFSCME Council 8 member has been working for the last year to get the word out to members statewide about AFSCME Advantage and Union Plus.

She says these union members-only discount programs, along with OCSEA Extras, are excellent organizing tools and help families stretch dollars in the following areas:

• Money and credit
• Insurance deals
• Health & Well-Being
• Education Services
• Auto Advantages
• House and Home
• Legal Resources
• Travel and Recreation
• Computers & Tech

Kelly understands first hand that leaders and stewards often are squeezed for time and inundated with paperwork. That's why she's so passionate about her new role as the regional benefits coordinator for Union Privilege, established by the AFL-CIO to provide consumer benefits to members and retirees of participating labor unions such as AFSCME and OCSEA.

"You can feel good in knowing your union dues don't cost, they pay," Kelly says, noting the dollars saved through these union-designed programs can surpass what members pay in dues.

She emphasized that Union Privilege is union-run and accountable to a board of directors, which includes AFSCME International President Gerald McEntee. Members' personal information is never sold nor shared with vendors—not even among vendors under the Union Privilege umbrella.

In her days as a union steward, Kelly made sure her co-workers knew about discount offers for a variety of services including pet insurance, travel packages, legal services, cell phones and many more.

Now she's working to help local leaders statewide do the same by educating members and leveraging programs as successful organizing tools.

"Local leaders are already so busy with contract administration and other hot issues," Kelly said. "I'm here to help them market these valuable consumer benefits by getting involved with organizing campaigns, visiting worksites, and making presentations at union meetings."

Subordinate body officers and stewards who want to involve Kelly in an organizing campaign or invite her to make a presentation at an upcoming meeting or union fair may contact her at 330-255-2727 or kkelly@unionprivilege.org.

Members who have questions or concerns about an AFSCME Advantage or Union Plus benefit may also contact Kelly directly.

See Related

Website of Union Plus, A Union Privilege consumer benefits program

Website of AFSCME Advantage

AFSCME Advantage on OCSEA Website

OCSEA Extras