Fair Access Testing on the Dashboard

Revised: 09/22/2006

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Fair Access Testing on the Dashboard.

Agents across the country are being “required” to take the Fair Access test offered strictly on the Agency Dashboard. While some agents have been told that it was required before October 1^st, most agents have the deadline of October 26^th. Quite honestly, we aren’t sure because we’ve seen no official Company Bulletin on the subject.

UFAA would like to congratulate the company for apparently working to insure Fair Access to all. Illegal discrimination has no place in today’s world and we applaud all efforts to eliminate such practices.

UFAA would like to go on record, however, and protest the company’s actions that now require the agency force to have two separate computer systems. In order to access policyholder records, process new business and make changes, we are required to have an AS400, System 36 or contract with IVANS. Each of those options requires an agent to spend a minimum of $150 for IVANS to $397 for an AS400 per month. Now, with the introduction of the Agency Dashboard we are being forced to also obtain PCs at our expense. This is another clear violation of our Agent Appointment Agreement.

If you have not taken the test yet and your DM or DMM is pressuring you to do so, we suggest that you ask for a written explanation as to the necessity and why the training can’t be made available and taken on paper. If you decide to take the training, which is not at all objectionable, you may want to do so under protest. The following language may be used for that purpose:

I am taking the Fair Access on-line training under protest. My protest has nothing to do with the subject matter. Unlawful discrimination in any area or form should be dealt with to the full extent of the law. My protest involves being forced to take the training on-line on a PC, which the Company does not provide, and not being furnished the material in written form. I believe this is another attempt to circumvent the Company's obligations under Section A of the Agent Appointment Agreement.

More information on UFAA’s reasons for objecting to this issue can be found in our current legal action know as the Declaratory Relief Action (DRA). Please review that information on our web site. It can be accessed by clicking here.

An online information service of the United Farmers Agents Association, Inc.