Labor unions also are running commercials in selected states carrying the same message. View the video Over the coming days, U.S. House and Senate leaders, along with the Obama White House, will be working to shape one health care reform bill from the two each chamber passed last year. The two bills share many common elements that will help working families cope with the ever-rising costs of health care and address serious flaws and shortcomings in the nation’s health care system, the AFL-CIO said. Health care reform advocates say that more than three-quarters of the bills’ provisions share such features as consumer protections, more affordable coverage for active workers and retirees and seniors, expanded coverage and cost containment. But there also are significant differences in the bills. Overall, the House bill comes closer to the AFL-CIO’s reform goals, including a public health care option, a much stronger employer fair share provision and no tax on workers’ health care benefits. While the Senate bill has many good points, it is deeply flawed, the AFL-CIO said. It would tax workers’ health care benefits and it lacks a public option that would help hold down costs and keep insurers accountable. To take part in the National Call-In Day, call toll-free 1-877-3-AFL-CIO (1-877-323-5246). The AFL-CIO is asking members to urge their representatives to vote for health reform that: • Does not tax workers’ health care benefits; • Requires employers to pay their fair share; and • Reduces cost—the best way to do this is with a public health care option. Mike Hall writes for the AFL-CIO news blog. For more information Visit the AFL-CIO website Related article Obama tries to convince labor to support health care benefit tax Video: “Pass Health Care. Don\'t Tax Health Benefits”