Member Stories

Working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles requires a lot of support and a working car. That’s why Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) administrator Grace Danziger was so excited to get help from Union Plus with her latest car purchase when the lease on her old car was ending.

“I have been receiving Union Plus benefit emails for quite some time,” Danziger recalls. “The auto buying program caught my eye.”

“Choosing a plug-in hybrid was important for environmental and economic concerns,” Danziger notes, adding that she and her husband Marc wanted to find the best deal possible. 

That is why they decided to take advantage of the Union Plus partnership with the price-comparison service TrueCar. The Union Plus Auto Buying Service lets members research pre-screened and certified dealers, see prices online, and get additional dealer discounts, in addition to offering rebates for union-made cars.

In addition to enjoying an easy search and application process, Danziger says that she felt personal support from the Union Plus partnership as well.

“I feel like we were taken extra care of,” she says, noting that the dealer they bought from was affiliated with Union Plus. “They had great customer service and they made buying our car a worry-free experience.”

To top it all off, the Union Plus service added a $200 rebate to the deal since the Danzigers bought a new union-made car and a hybrid at that.

Danziger says that the entire process was “so easy that it felt like we received a gift!”

"Union Plus offers so many ways workers can save money on things they are already doing like buying cars and taking vacations,” Danziger concludes. “All union members and staffers should take advantage of Union Plus programs!"

To learn more about the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, visit unionplus.org/autobuying.
 

Avinger is a Clerk 3 Typist for the Fire Department. She sees her office and the people she works with as family. That’s because in her own crisis of loss, they rallied around her with uncommon love and presence.

“I’ve had several deaths in my family since I joined the Department 10 years ago – my mother, brother and oldest sister,” she said. “People I work with came to the funeral services, prayed with me, and even the city’s Fire Commissioner made sure I was all right. I didn’t feel like an employee. They didn’t have to do any of that. They just made me feel special.”

Avinger seeks to deliver that same care and sensitivity among firefighters and paramedics she serves. She encourages and prays for them as they collaborate on finalizing paperwork prior to even their entering the hospital, and sometimes, she visits them as they recover.

Devout in her faith and deeply involved in her faith community, she believes her work is an extension of how she believes others should be treated. This desire has made her a strong union member who works behind the scenes to advocate for her district’s people.

Three years ago, she also sought to advocate for herself by focusing on building up her credit. Having seen the AFSCME Advantage Credit Card Program¹ information online and in the mail, she saw how easy it was to apply and went for it.

Current and retired union members, and often their family members, are eligible to apply for the Union Plus Credit Card Program. Each card has $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen², which means card holders can shop with confidence and be assured they are protected if the card is lost or stolen. Additionally, eligible card holders may apply for and gain access to hardship assistance grants in the event they are in need of specific help through a range of life events³.

“I use this card for everything – online purchases, grocery shopping and even get a couple dollars out every now and then with a cash advance,” she said.

Avinger believes the card can help build credit with responsible use.

“My AFSCME Advantage Credit Card works for me. I’d recommend Union Plus to any union member,” she said. “In fact, my 23-year-old son is about to start his first job, and I’ve told him I think he should consider applying for it.”

The Union Plus Credit Card is made available in partnership with Capital One. It is backed by the highly rated Capital One Mobile app, which is designed for a simple mobile experience, making it even easier to manage your account.

To learn more and apply visit theunioncard.com.

Since grade school, Lorraine Llauger has had her heart set on earning a college degree. But until recently it looked like she’d never achieve her dream. 

Llauger, of Kissimmee, Florida, is a journeyman electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 606 in Orlando. She is also a single mom raising two children on her own.

“I never thought I’d be going to college. I thought, where am I going to find the time? I can’t go off to a campus,” she reflects.

One day, her coworker mentioned the Union Plus Free College Program. Within weeks, Llauger was registered and taking classes online. 

The Union Plus Free College Program partners with AFSCME and Eastern Gateway Community College to offer online courses and degree programs with no out of pocket cost to active or retired union members and their eligible family members, including spouses and children.

Llauger is now working towards an associate degree in Business Management, at her own convenience. 

“My favorite thing is that I can be anywhere where there is internet,” Llauger enthuses. “For Union Plus to provide an online course, free, that’s amazing.”

Of her future plans, Llauger says, “More doors will open. I’m a single parent, so it’s even more exciting that I can advance myself with this program.”

Llauger has a message for other union members: “I definitely recommend the Union Plus Free College program. A lot of people entering the trades never thought they could make it to college. Getting this opportunity makes everything so much simpler.” 

Visit www.unionplusfreecollege.org or call 888-590-9009.

Learn more about the Union Plus
Free College Program 

 

Driving an enormous truck in and out of the Arizona copper mines does not leave Frances “Frankie” Estep much time to deal with personal finances. That is why she was so grateful to find the supportive team at Union Plus when it came time for her to finally purchase her first home. 

“I am a member of International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 104,” the 63-year-old Estep says proudly. “I have found the Teamsters to be excellent at protecting and defending their members.”

When it came time for Estep to purchase her first home, she turned to the Union Plus Mortgage Program.

“My then union president told me to check out the Union Plus website,” Estep explains.

While she was working with Union Plus (and their financial partners at Wells Fargo), Estep decided to enter the “Spring into Renovation” Sweepstakes.

“Entering the ‘Spring into Renovation’ Sweepstakes was easy,” she says. “I just filled out a form on the Union Plus website.”

Estep won $2,000, which she plans to use to take a vacation and do some work on the backyard of her new home. These are not the only benefits she has garnered from her relationship with Union Plus, however. In fact, she recommends the organization to everyone.

“I always suggest Union Plus to everyone who is a union member,” Estep says.  “It's well worth looking into, and the mortgage program is awesome!”

The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing available through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, is available for all eligible union members. 

For qualifying members, special benefits include:

• A My Mortgage Gift^SM award from Wells Fargo after closing – $500 for buying a home, or $300 for refinancing a home – for use at participating retailers.¹ 
• Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment or strike/lockout.²

For more information, visit unionplus.org/mortgage.

Matthew Colwell of Escondido, California, is a goal-setter. 

Colwell has been a member of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 241 in San Dieguito, California for over 19 years and is a network technician. He feels that his lack of college degree has held him back from professional advancement opportunities in the past. 

“Getting a management level job is something I’ve had as a goal for a number of years and I just haven’t been able to promote into those opportunities,” he laments.

So just weeks after Colwell saw a Union Plus email about its Free College program, he started taking classes towards a Business Management associate degree. 

Colwell says, “With this education, my hope is that I can better equip myself to get one of those jobs when they become available.” 

The Union Plus Free College Program partners with AFSCME and Eastern Gateway Community College to offer online courses and degree programs with no out of pocket cost to active or retired union members and their eligible family members.

Colwell notes, “One of the reasons I haven’t gone back to college until now is just the cost associated with it.”

He also emphasizes the convenience of taking online courses and admits, “If I had to go sit in a classroom and do traditional college-type coursework, I don’t know that I could do it.” 

Colwell encourages his fellow CSEA members to use the program as well. 

“The Union Plus Free College Program is a huge benefit – not only the fact that members are entitled to this benefit, but also their spouses and children,” Colwell concludes. “This will give the nudge to new hires who are thinking about joining CSEA.”
 

Learn More About the Union Plus
Free College Program or call 888-590-9009

José Acevedo served in the U.S. Army before teaching high school history in New York City. After being stationed in the Panama Canal Zone from 1974 to 1977, he spent the next 30-plus years teaching ninth and tenth grade and became a member of AFT.

“I loved teaching global history – not just American history,” said Acevedo. 

Many of Acevedo’s students were immigrants and he wanted to make sure that they knew how they fit into the American story. 

“Teaching was very demanding,” he reflected. “Yet when you feel like you’re making a difference, that’s when it’s most rewarding.”

Upon retirement, Acevedo sought to catch up on interests and hobbies he’d neglected during his teaching career. As he was financing his new home in a quiet section of the Bronx, he discovered the Union Plus Mortgage Veterans Grant. 

“I received a $500 gift card for being a union member and then discovered I was eligible for the Mortgage Veterans Grant. I was so glad that I found it,” said Acevedo. “We used it for furnishings in our new apartment. It was so helpful as we settled in.” 

Acevedo feels well taken care of by Union Plus. 

“After I proved that I was qualified for my grant, everything went so smoothly. I would really recommend this to other veterans,” he said. 

If you have served in the military and are an active or retired member of a union and you have financed your primary residence through the Union Plus Mortgage Program, you may qualify for the Mortgage Veterans Grant*. 

To learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage Program and the new Mortgage Veterans Grant, please visit unionplus.org/mortgage.

Taff is a proud Union Plus Credit Cardholder. Recently, Taff took advantage of one of the benefits offered by Union Plus when he earned a $100 AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate.

“Union Plus is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, and that’s most important to me,” Taff said. “I always try to use union-friendly companies.”

As a Union Plus Credit Cardholder, you may be eligible to receive a $100 rebate on an upgrade or new purchase of a smartphone, and if you switch to AT&T from another provider, you may be eligible for up to a $250 rebate when switching to AT&T (qualifying monthly data plan required).¹ 

Additionally, union members and retirees can save 15 percent on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans from AT&T through Union Plus.² (Requires valid proof of membership with an AFL-CIO member union by the account holder. Additional restrictions apply.) Visit unionplus.org/att for details.

"I highly recommend AT&T, and not only for cell service,” Taff said. “We’ve had AT&T landlines at my residence as long as I can remember, and AT&T cell service is second to none. I’m very happy with AT&T.”

Taff found the AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate application process to be easy. He simply filled out the form and returned it to Union Plus.

“The person who received my application walked me through the process and made sure I had the correct identification number on my account,” Taff said. “Once that was squared away, there was no problem. I received my rebate in a very timely manner.”

Taff said he receives monthly email updates about Union Plus rebates, discounts and other benefits.

“When other union members ask about Union Plus, I always tell them that this is the credit card program your union supports,” Taff said. “There is a link to Union Plus on the union’s website, and all the benefits are explained there. I’ve always tried to support the union in everything I do.”

Stay connected with Union Plus and learn more about the more than 25 programs and discounts available for union members and their families. Follow Union Plus on Facebook or register to receive updates on Union Plus programs at unionplus.org.
 

Though he spends a great deal of time making sure that his fellow educators feel at home, Florida Education Association (FEA) staff member Dr. Kerr Fazzone waited a while before purchasing a home of his own. When he did, however, he knew just who to call.

“I found out about Union Plus from one of my colleagues,” Fazzone says of the Union Plus Mortgage Program. “I reached out immediately after we decided to begin actively looking for a home.”

Since that first phone call, Fazzone says the Union Plus service has been “impeccable.”
“Our loan officer made the entire process simple,” he recalls. “He found the best mortgage for us and helped us decide the best time to lock in the interest rate.” 

Fazzone notes that his Union Plus representative also walked him through every step of the process and remained in close contact with his realtor, insurance agent, and the title company.

Fazzone was so impressed, in fact, that he has already recommended the Union Plus Mortgage Program to others. 

“I work for the Florida Education Association,” Fazzone says, “which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the AFL-CIO, and the National Education Association (NEA). I’m pleased with the experience of using the Union Plus program.”

“The union experience is unlike anything I have experienced before moving to Florida,” he maintains. “It is comforting to know that you belong to an organization that advocates for better working conditions for its members.”

Qualifying AFT members are eligible for special benefits for first-time homebuyers as well as:

• A $500 gift card after closing for purchasing or refinancing a home
• Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment, or strike/lockout

For more information, visit unionplusmortgage.com.

As a part of International Association of Machinists Local 727N member Yvette Sheehan’s job as executive assistant to the president at Guide Dogs of America, she orders flowers or gifts.

The Union Plus Flower Discount Program—and the Teleflora website—has helped make her job easier.

“Part of my job sometimes includes ordering flowers and Union Plus is my bookmark for flowers,” Sheehan said.

Since GDA is a nonprofit that supplies guide dogs free of charge, every dollar counts.

“It is good to know that Union Plus has negotiated rates with discounts giving union members the best bang for our buck,” she said.

She enjoys seeing ideas for floral arrangements from the Teleflora website because they show her the latest in arrangements. She especially appreciates the “deal of the day,” which showcases flowers that are in season at a great price. 

But perhaps nothing beats the online ordering convenience.  

“I have received exceptional customer service,” she said. “If I order something and the local vendor doesn’t have it, I get an email. And if I don’t respond to the email, then I receive a phone call asking for an alternative.”

Order beautiful flower arrangements and gift baskets through the Union Plus discount program and make someone’s day. Flowers are perfect for birthdays and holidays, and is a lovely way to say, "Get well," "Thank you!” or “Congrats.” Union members, retirees and family members save 20% to 25% by visiting unionplus.org/flowers or calling 888-667-7779.

Sherman worked on rental trucks for his entire 30-year career. He performed bumper to bumper services on a constantly evolving fleet of trucks.

“I loved being a mechanic and getting a shot at working on all different types of stuff each day – anything that would keep those trucks rolling down the road,” he said. “I also enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow union members and teaching new mechanics as they came up through the ranks.”

During and after his career, Sherman has used the Union Plus Credit Card for nearly all of his purchases. He appreciates that it is unquestionably a union-backed card.

“I would highly recommend the Union Plus Credit Card to all union members,” said Sherman. “I’ve lived a lot of life and gone through a lot. The folks behind the Union Plus Credit Card have always stuck with me.” 

The Union Plus Credit Card is made available in partnership with Capital One. It is backed by the highly rated Capital One Mobile app, which is designed for a simple mobile experience, making it even easier to manage your account. Additionally, eligible card holders may gain access to hardship assistance grants in the event they are in need of specific help through a range of life events.²

To learn more and apply, visit theunioncard.com.