Change+in+Health+Benefits


 * __THIS HAS BEEN EDITED A FEW TIMES AND I THINK IT IS GOOD AND WE SHOULD USE IT WHAT DOES EVERYONE ELSE THINK? - Please see my revisions...I had not seen this version before (Carolyn Parker)__**

Hello, everyone and thank you for coming to the meeting today. We have a few things to go over and at the conclusion we will open the floor to any questions or concerns you may have. First, we would like to say how extremely grateful we are to have such a great group of employees. It is your hard work and dedication that has made this company grow into what it is today. As with all companies operating during these difficult economic times, we have had to overcome some challenges over the past year. In order to remain competitive and secure our position and employment going into the future, we've had to make some changes to our health care policy. Health care costs across the nation continue to rise dramatically and is no different here at ChipsRus. Prior to today's meeting, we provided you some informational material outlining revisions to our health insurance coverage. The premiums, however are going to stay the same. We'd like to use this time to review the break down for health, dental and eye coverage with regard to the outlined changes.

While our employees' happiness is of great concern to the company, he have faced some opportunities with regard to profitability and competitiveness during budget review for the coming year. As you are now aware, a change in healthcare services is paramount to keeping our costs inline without having to layoff any workers. While we realize this is difficult to hear, we have taken this opportunity to offset the insurance issue with several new perks available to our employees. First, for anyone interested, we would like to offer a no cost introductory session with a dietician. We have also made arrangements with the local gym to offer a $10/month reduction in their membership fees; you only need to show your employee ID in order to take advantage of the 25% reduction in cost. Last, but not least, we will also offer free smoking cessation classes to anyone interested in participating.

The last area of concern we would like to address today is our longstanding policy permitting employees to take home our products at no cost. Unfortunately, we have come to the difficult realization that we need to limit the quantity of our product being taken home by our employees. Effective immediately, we will limit employees to taking home one bag of product per month. If you elect not to take a bag home on any given week, that will be foregone.

We understand that the information you heard today may be difficult, but we are open to any suggestions from our employees. If you have any feedback or other ideas that would result in cost savings, we would be happy to entertain each one brought to our attention. Once again, thank you for being a committed and valued part of our success each and every day! Now we'd like to take this time to open the floor to a question and answer session to ensure everyone understands the information presented to you today.