Local 71 Brothers and Sisters,

I’m pleased to share an exciting update regarding the IUEC’s Voluntary Income Protection (VIP) Plan:

Effective June 2, 2025, Group Accident & Critical Illness coverages will be added to the IUEC VIP Plan. These two new tax-free benefits will be available on a Guaranteed Approved basis (NO medical underwriting) to all IUEC Members and their families.

With the addition of these coverages, the IUEC VIP Plan offers our Brothers and Sisters the most comprehensive, guaranteed-approved income replacement options with customized union policy language—at affordable group rates.

During the final three months of our national open enrollment, all active, dues-paying Members in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico may enroll in Accident and/or Critical Illness coverage, in addition to any other IUEC VIP benefits available or already elected.

With five benefit offerings available, the VIP Plan can help prevent Members or their families from experiencing a financial hardship in the event of an injury/accident, critical illness diagnosis, surgery, mental health condition, substance abuse treatment, or death. That said, we ask for your continued support in encouraging Members to learn about the IUEC VIP Plan, so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones. 

To date, more than 4,000 Members—about 16% of the eligible membership has enrolled in the VIP Plan. However, this means many of our Members’ incomes could still be unprotected.  In the past nine months, nearly $2,000,000 in tax free benefit payments have been paid directly to Members who were unable to work due to sickness, injury or death.

Members can enroll in any or all the IUEC VIP Plan benefit options:

• NEW: Accident Coverage – Cash benefits for injuries and medical services, resulting from a covered accident for Members and their families
• NEW: Critical Illness Coverage – Up to $40,000 for Members and Spouses (dependents are automatically covered at 50% of the Member's elected amount)
• Short-Term Disability – Up to $1,500 per week, for up to 24 weeks
• Long-Term Disability – Up to $10,000 per month, for up to 5 years
• Life Insurance and AD&D – Up to $500,000, or 5x annual income, for Members (spouse and dependent coverage also available)

Let’s continue to work together to ensure every Member understands what’s available through the IUEC VIP Plan—and what’s potentially at risk if they remain uncovered.  June’s issue of The Elevator Constructor will have an ad introducing the new Accident & Critical Illness group benefits.  There will continue to be VIP Plan updates for the Members, in addition to a VIP Plan Representative available to attend your union meetings, when invited.  Members can always visit www.IUECVIP.com or call 224-487-5030 to learn more or enroll.

Working safely and protecting our members and their families continues to be a top priority for the IUEC. 

Fraternally,

Frank J. Christensen
General President