Marriott Workers Keep Benefits Despite Cuts

[cal04]

Full-Timers With Trimmed Hours Remain Covered
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/10/AR2009071003518.html?hpid=topnews

Marriott International said yesterday it will allow full-time workers relegated to part-time status to keep their health benefits, a move aimed at easing the pain for employees affected by the recession.

The Bethesda-based hotel chain will stop requiring its U.S. workers to log a minimum number of hours to maintain existing health coverage through the end of this year, according to chairman and chief executive J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr., who announced the decision on his blog.

"During these tough times, it has become more difficult for employees at many U.S. companies, including Marriott, to work a sufficient number of hours to continue to qualify for health benefits," he wrote.

Employees worried about losing their coverage cannot perform at their highest levels and businesses cannot prosper if their workers don't have access to quality health care, Marriott wrote. "For that reason, we have taken steps to ensure that our full-time employees in the U.S. who are working reduced hours will not lose their health care coverage."

[Digit]

1. I noticed it only said, "through the end of this year."

I wonder what happens in January?

[DJ13]

2. My wife works for a competing chain

If Marriott's insurance is comparable this is mostly an empty gesture because the rates are too high to be affordable at full pay, let alone at reduced pay.

People making $9 per hour at my wife's employer are charged $200 per month for single coverage, and $450 per month for a family.