BC/BS of Mich. Extends UAW Contract

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the United Auto Workers agreed to extend their existing labor contract while discussions on a new contract continue. The existing contract expired at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 1, and the contract extension is not to exceed 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, September 15.

A total of 2,984 bargaining-unit employees represented by four United Auto Workers locals across the state are employed by the company.

As talks continue, contingency plans are in place to process claims and make payments to medical providers in the event that issues are not resolved and a disruption in operations ensues.

Blue Care Network, which is the HMO affiliate of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, has a separate workforce and labor contract and is not part of the discussions underway.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.