Thirty-five years ago, Nancy Ferguson got her start as a Local 393 plumber before there were very many women in the trades. Back then, she wore pink, yellow, or powder-blue overalls with her hair in a braid, down to her waist. She was quite unusual on job sites.
Today, Nancy has a different role in the union. For the last five years she’s been the Member Advocate, helping 393 members with benefits.
The purpose of the Member Advocate is to assist our members and their families to make the best use of their benefits.
“Any member or their family can call or come in and sit down with me to have questions answered about your healthcare, retirement, tax-free extended reserve account (ERA), or any of our other benefits,” said Nancy. “And if I don’t know the answer, I’ll connect you to someone who does.”
For your personal medical bills, account balances, and eligibility questions, contact BeneSys Administrators at 408-588-3751. To get general information about your benefits, go to www.ualocal393benefits.org. If you need help, Nancy can show you around the website and empower you to select the best benefit options for you.
Extended Reserve Account (ERA):
November is Open Enrollment
“Your ERA is a HUGE untaxed benefit similar to a health reimbursement account,” said Nancy. “Enrollment only happens once per year during the month of November.” You can use your ERA benefit card for dental, health copays, eyeglasses, and other eligible expenses – all tax-free. You can contribute $0, $1, $2, or $4 maximum per hour, and there’s no cap on the balance in the account. Applications to change your ERA contributions are available at the Union Hall. Contact April at
408-225-3030 ext.11 or email April@Local393.org
Healthcare:
Rolling Enrollment Every 12 Months
To initially qualify for healthcare, you need to work either 440 hours (for workers under the master labor agreement) or 480 hours (for workers in Residential, and Service tradesmen). Commercial Plumbers, Steamfitters, Refrigeration/ HVAC fitters and apprentices work under the Master Labor agreement. Members can change Anthem Blue Cross PPO or Kaiser HMO plans every 12 months from the last date of enrollment. For an application, come to the Union Hall or contact
Jo-Ann Rashid at BeneSys at 408-588-3751 ext. 8427 or Jo-Ann.Rashid@benesys.com.
Retirement:
Change Up to 3 Times Per Year
“To have the most secure retirement, our pension and social security are good, but not enough,” said Nancy. “It’s vital to put money into your 393 401K which is often referred to as Part B. The sooner you invest in your 401K, the better. This money grows like a snowball over your career. Plus, it’s yours from day one – you don’t have to wait to be vested.” You can contribute $0, $1, $2, $4, $6, $8, $10, $12 per hour and make changes three times per year. The application to make changes to your 401k account can be obtained at the Union Hall.
In her spare time, Nancy spends time with her husband, a retired electrician, as well as her many pets. “In addition to our two dogs, we have two cats, a chinchilla, rabbit, box turtles, a giant tortoise named Martha, and of course, Fred the frog who is the size of a dinner plate,” Nancy laughs. “As my animals pass away, I am not replacing them in hopes that someday we can travel without hiring an expensive zookeeper.”
Though Nancy is eligible to retire, she says that’s not happening anytime soon. She said, “I love my work too much, and it’s a joy and honor to serve the members.”