Wal-Mart Steps out on Health Care Reform, Prompting Attack by Retail Federation – National Consumers League

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By Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director

As the Congress begins to consider several different approaches to universal health insurance, Wal-Mart, the giant retailer, has come out in favor of an employer mandate to cover health insurance. That alone is a breakthrough for health care reform since Wal-Mart has been heavily criticized for its record of poor worker pay and benefits, including lack of affordable health care. In response to criticism from unions, Wal-Mart now provides health care to 52 percent of its workers, up from 46 percent three years ago.

What is shocking is that the National Retail Federation, a federation of retailers across the United States, is condemning Wal-Mart’s actions and is encouraging its members to take a stand against Wal-Mart. “They [members of the federation] really don’t want Wal-Mart to define the health care debate,” said a spokesman for the retail federation.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, the retail industry covers only 45 percent of its workers. Some retailers have expanded their health care coverage — Toys R Us and Home Depot included — in an effort to reduce employee turnover. And others have stood out for a long time as exemplary in the coverage they provide; Costco Wholesale Corporation has for years had generous health benefits for its employees, and more than 90 percent have coverage. Costco officials say that providing these benefits has boosted employees’ productivity.

So what do the bills say about an employer health care mandate? The House bill would require most employers over a certain size to provide workers with basic benefits or contribute up to 8 percent of their payroll toward helping the government pay for their coverage. A Senate bill would place a larger obligation on employers of low wage workers. Wal-Mart told the Wall Street Journal that “…we believe we have taken a pro-business position. The present system is not sustainable.”

Wal-Mart support for an employer mandate was expressed in a letter sent to the White House that was co-signed by Andy Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union (which holds a seat on the NCL board) and John Podesta, CEO of the Center for American Progress.

It’s a shame that in 2009 we have a major force in American business taking such a reactionary position on the coverage of basic health benefits. America is the only industrialized country that doesn’t provide health coverage for its people. The National Retail Federation should take a page from one of its own, Costco, which has shown that providing good benefits and health insurance to workers actually increases productivity and improves its bottom line.

NCL warns Senate of recession-fueled fraud – National Consumers League

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July 14, 2009

New Fraud Center Statistics Underscore Call for Increased Federal Fraud Fighting

Contact: 202-835-3323, media@nclnet.org

WASHINGTON, DC – Appearing today before a Senate subcommittee, the National Consumers League (NCL) said that frauds linked to the bad economy are on the rise and called upon federal fraud cops to “vigorously enforce existing anti-fraud statutes and regulations” and redouble their efforts to educate consumers about the growing threat of recession-fueled fraud.

NCL warned that consumers’ thinly-stretched pocketbooks have “increased their vulnerability to fraudsters offering promises of extra income. The consumer group warned that nearly one in three consumers could be at risk for fraudulent work-at-home schemes and that fake check complaints involving phony sweepstakes and bogus “mystery shopper” jobs continue to increase.

Top Scams, January – June 2009 (read full report)

1. Fake Check Scams
2. Internet: Gen Merchandise
3. Prizes/Sweepstakes/Free Gifts
4. Phishing/Spoofing
5. Nigerian Money Offers (not prizes)
6. Business Opportunities/Franchises/Distributorship
7. Advance Fee Loans, Credit Arrangers
8. Friendship & Sweetheart Swindles
9. Internet: Auctions
10. Lotteries/Lottery Ticket Buying Clubs

“Consumers face a double bind. The economic crisis has made them increasingly vulnerable to fraud while local agencies that investigate scams and enforce the laws are shutting their doors, leaving consumers with fewer avenues to protect their interests,” said Greenberg. “Absent increased action at the federal level to investigate and prosecute scam artists, consumers will be caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place.”

In support of Greenberg’s testimony, NCL’s Fraud Center released its semi-annual ranking of the top telemarketing and Internet scams plaguing consumers so far in 2009, with fake check scams continuing to top the list. For the first six months of 2009, fake check scams made up more than 44 percent of the total complaints NCL received, with more than half of these complaints (55 percent) involving a fraudulent mystery shopper job or phony sweepstakes winnings. Average losses per victim were more than $3,000.

Phony business opportunity scams — which include fake franchises and distributorships – were not among the most commonly reported scams to the Fraud Center in 2008. However, in the first six months of 2009, they have risen into the top ten most-reported scams. Earlier this year, an NCL-commissioned survey found that 31 percent of respondents were more likely to consider starting a home-based business due to the current economic climate. NCL believes that this is a reflection of a weak economy, loss of jobs, and consumers’ eagerness to find viable employment.

“The worsening economy has clearly had an impact on consumers’ vulnerability to fraud.” said John Breyault, NCL Vice President for Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud. “Consumers should be wary that scammers are eager to prey on those in greatest financial need.”

NCL’s Fraud Center is unique among consumer organizations. It was created in 1992 to combat the economic menace of telemarketing fraud. In 1996, it expanded its fraud-fighting efforts to include scams in cyberspace. The Fraud Center’s www.fraud.org and www.fakechecks.org. Web sites are a consumer resource with information on the most common telemarketing and Internet scams. Consumers can report suspected fraud there using NCL’s online complaint form. These reports are then transmitted to the appropriate agencies among NCL’s law enforcement and consumer protection partners in the U.S. and Canada. These reports alert authorities to emerging scams and help put them in touch with victims, while providing the necessary ammunition to investigate and shut down fraudulent operations.

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Tips to Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Summer – National Consumers League

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Though summer may be in full swing and we might be in relaxation mode, it is all the more important we stay consumer savvy.

Sunny days may bring a smile to our faces and give us our daily dose of vitamin D, but we have to be prepared and protected so that we don’t get too much of a good thing.  It’s important to wear a hat (with a brim and ideally one that offers the face and ears protection), limit exposure between 10am and 4pm, wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection, and use sunscreen.  When using sunscreen, there are a few things to remember:

  • use broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays
  • use SPF 15 at a minimum
  • apply at least 30 minutes before going outside so that it can be absorbed
  • apply even on cloudy days
  • reapply at least every 2 hours – more if you are in water or staying active and sweating

With longer, warmer days, it makes it all the easier to get out and get active. Whether biking, swimming or walking, it’s important to do so safely.  Wear a helmet, and appropriate padding, when you take the wheels.  When swimming, stay alert and practice some safe tips like swimming with a partner, knowing your limits, staying in safe swimming areas (and avoiding currents, deep water, etc.), being careful about diving, and keeping protected from the sun.  If you plan to exercise, try to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeine beforehand, as it can cause dehydration.  Stretch your muscles out before any activity to prevent injury.  And one of the most important things to remember when getting out and active this summer is to stay hydrated!

With all the excitement of summer, it’s also important to take some time to relax a bit, whether it means you take a vacation or a staycation.  It’s important that you take some time to unplug, unwind and give your body a much needed break – it can actually help lower our blood pressure.

So whether going for a relaxing stroll or splashing around in a pool, stay safe and consumer savvy this summer!

Declare Your Health Care Independence! – National Consumers League

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By Mimi Johnson, NCL Health Policy Associate

Health care reform is the talk of this town these days, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make it the talk of your town. In fact, Senators and Congressmen alike have recently returned to their home states to celebrate our nation’s birthday. With their return to your neighborhood comes and opportunity for YOU to speak out for health reform.

In fact, July 2nd was designated as “Health Care Independence Day”, and this month, you’re encouraged to wave your flags and act patriotically before your politicians to help illustrate that you – and 85% of Americans – are ready for a change.

I’m heading back to Wisconsin and I hope to visit my Congressman’s office, donning red, white, and blue to ensure access to quality health care for me and you.

Please share your health care stories – whether your inspiration for reform or your activities of support. We are always eager to hear from you – and we encourage you to reach out to your Senators, Congressmen, and local media.

Happy Birthday, America! Let’s hope next year we can celebrate as an insured nation!

Common Pain Relievers Under Scrutiny – National Consumers League

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By Rebecca Burkholder, NCL Vice President for Health Policy

Americans love our pain relievers, but health advocates are increasingly concerned that they can be dangerous to our health if not taken safely. Last week a FDA Advisory Committee recommended to lower the maximum does of acetaminophen, a key ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers (like Tylenol and many generic versions, like the ones sold at CVS, Target, and other pharmacies), and to ban prescription drugs that combine acetaminophen with other drugs. I attended the FDA hearing to give NCL’s view on consumer acetaminophen and hear what the experts are saying about the danger of too much acetaminophen.

High doses of acetaminophen are the leading causes of liver injury in the United States. More that 400 people die and 56,000 visit the emergency room every year in the United States due to acetaminophen overdoses. Consumers don’t know that acetaminophen is an active ingredient in many OTC products, or that it is dangerous to take too much acetaminophen. In fact, almost half of all adults are not sure of the main active ingredient in the OTC pain medication they take most often, and two-thirds of consumers who use OTC acetaminophen are not concerned about overdoses, according to the preliminary results of a new NCL survey of consumer use and attitude towards pain relievers.

To prevent some of these accidental overdoses, the FDA Advisory Committee is recommending that the federal health agency reduce the maximum single adult dose of OTC acetaminophen from 1,000 mg (two 500 mg strength tablets) to 650 mg (two 325 mg strength tablets). The Committee also discussed the dangers of combination prescription pain relievers that contain acetaminophen, as well as other drugs – over long periods of time, many consumers take more to relieve their pain and they mistakenly take with other medications also containing acetaminophen. The Committee voted to ban these combination prescription drugs containing acetaminophen (such as Percocet and Vicoden – two of the most popular pain relievers). The FDA is not required to follow the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, but it often does.

NCL shared with the Committee the preliminary results of our recent survey on acetaminophen and emphasized the need to remind consumers that just because a drug is available at their local drug store or supermarket, does not mean it is risk-free. We also announced that we will be launching a public education campaign to help consumers understand how to use acetaminophen – with a special focus on teens and Hispanics. Next time you reach for a pill to relieve your pain – remember to take it safely.

Work in Ag Tops Five Worst Teen Jobs – National Consumers League

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By Lauren Perez, NCL Communications Intern

Lauren Perez is the communications intern at the National Consumers League.  She is a senior at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA.  She is majoring in Journalism and Political Science.

With school out and summer underway, many teens are already employed. The National Institute for Occupations Health and Safety reported that 2.6 million youth ages 15-17 are employed. Just last year, in 2008, 34.2% of teens were employed in summer jobs.

Each year, NCL advises teens and their parents about how to choose a summer job carefully; even legal work for teens pose hidden dangers and some jobs out there are illegal for teens to perform altogether.

NCL recently released the 2009 Five Worst Teen Jobs report, a list of the top five jobs that pose the most potential danger to teen workers. Throughout this summer, we will be highlighting each of the most dangerous jobs, detailing the hazards on the job and providing more information on how youth workers can stay safe.

First up: Agriculture: Harvesting Crops

Agriculture work is the most dangerous for young workers. Youth workers in agriculture can be subject to overexertion, high-intensity noise and contact with chemicals. Long hours working in the sun can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and being exposed to dust, gas and moldy hay can create respiratory problems.

Agricultural job hazards also include using heavy machinery, especially tractors. From 1992 – 2000, 42% of youth workers killed were in farming jobs and one third of these fatalities involved tractors. In 2002, an 11-year-old boy was killed when the tractor he was using to move large bales of hall rolled over. The boy was working alone and was found when he did not return to the farm.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health urges young workers to know and follow safe work practices, such as wearing seatbelts when provided, being properly trained and using equipment that is appropriate for their size and age. NIOSH also recommends that young workers use protective clothing and sunblock, take breaks from working in the sun and drink plenty of water.

Youth who work in agriculture are limited by the Fair Labor Standards Act in the type of work and amount of work that they may do. Youth agricultural workers must be at least 14 years of age. Workers who are between the ages of 14 and 15 may only work outside of school hours in non-manufacturing, non-mining, non-hazardous jobs. Youth workers aged 16 to 17 may perform any non-hazardous job for unlimited hours.

Child Labor Laws restrict young workers under the age of 16 from handling certain chemicals and pesticides. When working with chemicals, employers are required to provide training to all workers who will be in contact with the chemicals six days prior to the start of work.

State laws may also have more strict laws for employers to follow when hiring youth workers. The U.S. Department of Labor can provide more information on state child labors laws for agricultural jobs.

NCL has also assembled tips for teens and their parents here.

Next up: Construction and Height Work.

Food Safety Tips for Independence Day Picnicking – National Consumers League

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Holidays are often busy times for people spending time with families and friends. With sunshine, good company, and fireworks to come, food safety might not be the first thing on your mind, but when picnicking and barbecuing it can be challenging to keep your food safe.  Here are a few tips on how to keep your food free from harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses:

  • Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.  At outdoor temperatures, harmful bacteria grow rapidly.
  • Never save leftovers.  Discard anything left over.
  • Discard prepared food if it has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

For more detailed information on keeping food safe while picnicking, check out these links on “Safe Picnicking and Grilling”  and “Safety on Your Picnic.”

If you’re going camping this weekend, here is a handy checklist to make sure you’re remembering everything you need to have a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

GM Liability for Vehicle Defects a Win for Consumers – National Consumers League

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by Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director

Consumers won an important victory this week, and hats off to the consumer organizations, victim’s groups, and state attorneys general who made it happen.  General Motors agreed to assume legal responsibility for injuries drivers suffer from vehicle defects – say, an airbag that failed to deploy or a gas tank that exploded – after the auto maker comes out of U.S. Bankruptcy protection. Credit goes to the Obama Administration as well for ensuring that consumers who had been injured and had liability claims against GM for defects in their vehicles – and those who may be injured in the future – will have their rights preserved. Under the original bankruptcy plan arrived at by GM and government negotiators, the auto maker would have been able to shed such liability after selling its assets to a new GM owned by the government.

But consumer groups protested, as did victims of auto accidents who allege that defects in vehicles caused their injuries, and AGs from more than a dozen states, saying that this arrangement would block car accident victims from having their day in court. After several days of negotiations to address these concerns the parties arrived at an agreement. GM was quoted in the Wall Street Journal June 29 saying it would take on future product liability claims “to alleviate certain concerns that have been raised on behalf of consumers.”

A cornerstone of consumer protection is the right to hold companies accountable when their products have caused injury. It is essential for many reasons, including helping to ensure companies fix defects when they are discovered, for compensating injured consumers for their injuries, and preventing taxpayers from having to care for injured parties when a product – or vehicle defect – causes the injury.  This outcome – with GM continuing to be held accountable to injured plaintiffs who can prove their case – is important to consumers and valuable precedent.