News and Media

Dear OPEIU Members and Family:

Here is an update on recent developments regarding the OPEIU Free College Benefit, as well as introduction to an exciting opportunity for our union members and their families.

We understand there has been uncertainty surrounding the Free College Benefit for continuing students and are sad to say, due to a decision by the Department of Education, the benefit is no longer available to you and your family. While this may be disappointing news, we believe change often brings new and exciting opportunities.

Our new union college benefit option offers up to 50 percent discounted tuition rates and still applies to your federal grant awards to reduce your out-of-pocket costs even further.

OPEIU’s Discount College Benefit offers flexibility and numerous options for union members and their families to further their education. The program’s extensive network of colleges and universities is comprised of accredited institutions committed to providing discounted tuition rates to our union members and their families, ensuring accessibility and affordability for higher education. Whether you are interested in pursuing an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree, or are seeking to enhance your professional skills with undergraduate or graduate certificates, the program has a comprehensive range of more than 50 online degree programs and certificate offerings.

OAKLAND, Calif. – Less than three months away from their contract expiration, tens of thousands of healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente will hold pickets to protest the short staffing crisis and its effects on patients and caregivers. The pickets will take place at 50 facilities across California, Washington, Oregon, and Colorado, and will start July 24 and run through July 29.

After three years of the COVID pandemic and chronic understaffing, healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente are calling on management to provide safe staffing levels. Caregivers say understaffed hospitals and clinics are unsafe and can lead to long wait times, mistaken diagnoses, and neglect, making it harder to give patients quality care.

Need an attorney? Have an estate planning question? Now is the perfect time to ensure your legal affairs are in order – and Union Plus makes it easy and affordable!

With premium legal services available through MetLife Legal, you’ll have instant access to engage a network of more than 18,000 qualified attorneys for many common legal matters, such as creating a will or estate planning support. 

These services and many more are available at a reduced monthly fee…exclusively available to union members and their families!