WASHINGTON — Some labor unions that initially backed President Barack Obama's health care overhaul are now frustrated and angry about what they say are unexpected consequences of the plan that could hurt their members.
Leaders of several retail, construction and trade unions say the new health care law is making their unique multiemployer plans more costly to operate. They fear employers that now share the costs of the union plans will abandon them to save money.
That could mean millions of union members will be forced to buy less comprehensive health coverage in state exchanges that are being set up.
Union officials have been hoping the Obama administration could fix the problem, but that hasn't happened. The administration has defended the health law but is wary of angering a powerful political constituency.
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