METAL LATHERS LOCAL 46
MEMBERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
POLICY STATEMENT
The purpose of establishing a Member's Assistance Program is to reaffirm the
union's concern for the well-being of its members. The union does not wish
nor intend to intrude upon an individual's private life. However, when per-
sonal problems affect a member's health, the union feels it appropriate
to provide assistance.
The Union recognizes that alcoholism and drug dependency are illnesses, not
moral problems. As such, most cases can be successfully treated, particularly
where the problem is identified and treated at an early stage. Any member
suffering from these illnesses will be given the same treatment under all
applicable employee benefit plans and policies as are presently available to
members with other illnesses.
The Union also recognizes that the problem of some members are family oriented
and that performance may be affected by alcoholism, emotional or other stres-
sful problems involving a member's immediate family. This program is there-
fore being made available to the dependents of members as well.
The social stigma sometimes associated with such problems tends to discourage
people who need help from seeking treatment. We wish to encourage members to
take advantage of available confidential counseling, diagnosis, and referral for
all such situations, whether pertaining to themselves or their families.
Confidentiality of medical records and communication with the Members Assistance
Program are guaranteed in the same manner as for any other medical problem.
The Members Assistance Program will provide members with the appropriate
assistance to overcome such problems. Assistance is available on a self-referral
basis.
ALCOHOLISM
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Of the estimated 10 million Americans suffering from alcoholism, at
least 1 million are union members. Thus, up to 10 percent of our work
force may be effected.
Alcohol is often embraced as a way of coping with problems but
usually aggravates the situation. Symptoms of alcoholism frequently
manifest themselves in the work place and the individuals capacity to
perform is increasingly impaired. It progressively destroys family and
social relationships, jobs and lives regardless of age, race, sex or
cultural heritage.
Early identification and treatment is essential to interrupt the
destructive course of this disease. Restoration of health, a healthier
life, and full recovery are realistic goals of a membership who struggle
together in their plight. Alcoholism is one of the nation's most serious
health problems. It effects us all differently but it does effect us all.
COULD YOU BECOME A PROBLEM DRINKER?
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Take two minutes and find out. Ask yourself the following questions and answer them as honestly as you can.
- Do you lose time from work due to drinking?
- Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
- Do you drink because you are shy with other people?
- Is drinking affecting your reputation?
- Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?
- Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of drinking?
- Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?
- Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare?
- Has your ambition decreased since drinking?
- Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?
- Do you drink the next morning?
- Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
- Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?
- Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?
- Do you "drink to escape from worries or trouble?
- Do you drink alone?
- Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
- Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?
- Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?
- Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of drinking?
- Have you failed consistently to maintain abstinence?
- Do you hide and protect your liquor supply?
- Are you late or absent from work because of your drinking?
- Do you gulp drinks?
- Have you ever passed out from drinking?
- Do you find yourself drinking more alcohol since you retired?
- Does drinking make it easier for you to be alone?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, this is a definite warning that you may have a DRINKING PROBLEM.
LOCAL 46 MEMBERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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For the purposes of this Member's Assistance Policy, the terms"troubled" or"problem member" refer to: alcohol abuse, drug abuse, family connected, disability and any other problems affecting a member's welfare.
- The primary purpose of this policy is to aid the alcoholic or otherwise troubled member to recognize the problem and rehabilitate himself or herself to the status of a sober and productive member.
- Alcoholism is a treatable disease and the alcoholic is an ill person requiring skilled rehabilitative assistance. Otherwise troubled members also require referral to appropriate professionals.
- The troubled employee may be defined as:
- That person whose work performance is impaired by the repetitive use of alcoholic beverages or whose drinking results in recognizable interference with health or interpersonal relationships on the job.
- This effort is accomplished by:
- Identification of the problem by Family members or by self-referral.
- Self-referrals are encouraged to participate in the program, and are assured of totally confidential assistance through referral.
- Follow-up on member's progress jointly with aftercare professionals, giving all possible support to the member who cooperates in an honest attempt at recovery.
- Since Alcoholism is a disease which affects the entire family, efforts will be made to contact and involve family members.
- It shall be the problem member's responsibility to comply with the Member's Assistance Program and to follow the appropriate resource to which the member is referred.
- Confidentiality in all aspects of dealing with the member will be strictly observed.
For more information, contact:
Tony D'Amico
Metallic Lathers Local 46 Fund Office
260 East 78th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 535-2689
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday thru Friday
