Labor Unions march for single payer health care

[Better Believe It]

Unions march for single payer health care
By Barb Kucera, Workday editor
September 15, 2009

On Monday, unions backing “single payer” health care legislation held a news conference and impromptu march through downtown Pittsburgh, blocking traffic on several streets. They were led by filmmaker Michael Moore to a theater where they viewed the U.S. premiere of his new film, “Capitalism: A Love Story.” See video

Health care is likely to be a dominant topic of Obama’s speech. Convention delegates are expected to approve a resolution supporting Obama’s efforts to pass legislation that includes a government alternative to private health insurance. But a number of unions also are pushing for what they see as the best solution – single payer.

Under single payer, all Americans would receive health care and be able to choose the doctors and hospitals of their choice. But insurance companies – and their high profits and administrative costs – would be eliminated. Instead, all payments would be administered through a publicly run agency, essentially a “single payer.”

Single payer advocates say the easiest way to implement their proposal is to expand the current Medicare system to cover all Americans.

“Health insurance is not health care,” said Leo Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers. “We’re going to continue the fight for single payer health care.”

While no demonstrations were on the official agenda, delegates decided to create their own by marching five blocks from the convention center to the movie theater. Chanting “Health care now!” they stopped traffic and solicited some cheers from folks at sidewalk cafes.


Filmmaker Michael Moore leads marchers through the streets of downtown Pittsburgh.

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4162

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