Wage Indemnity and Continuation of Coverage during Absence from Work – Strike or Lockout

This is to advise you that your Board of Trustees have met, and have agreed to continue making premium contributions on behalf of the membership in the event of a strike or lockout for the August block month. What this means is that in the event of a work disruption, should you become disabled during this time and are unable to return to your work, at the end of the disruption; your benefits will remain in place. The customary policy provisions will apply. For example, once the  dispute has ended, and you return to work, your 7-day waiting period will commence from the first flight missed or reserve day in your schedule.

Status of WIP and Rehab during Strike:

1) Members who are currently on WIP will continue to be paid in accordance with policy provisions.

2) Members who are on the Air Canada return to work program will continue to be paid in accordance with policy provisions, however, Air Canada has informed the Union that there will be no rehab work provided. All members currently participating in a rehab RTW Program will return to full WIP status until further notice. For example, if a member has commenced a RTW Program on August 1, and his/her doctor has provided medical to indicate a RTW program was necessary for 3 months ending September 30, returning to full active duties of their own occupation, then the member is likely to be paid full WIP benefits until they can either resume the return-to-work program at the end of the disruption or in the absence of the RTW Program, until September 30. EACH case will be adjudicated independently, and as always in accordance with policy provisions.

3) If a work disruption commences on August 16, and the member books off August 14 but their first flight missed (FFM) is not until August 25, then their 7-day waiting period will commence on August 25 and WIP Insurance will commence 8 days later, and will be adjudicated in accordance with the policy provisions. If a member becomes disabled after a work disruption commences; they will not be entitled to benefits until there is a resolution and regular policy provisions prevail, such as the noted example above.

4) The Board of Trust has determined the Trust plan will cover all WIP contributions for members off the August earnings, this will be apparent on the September 17 pay summary for members.

On Behalf of The Board of Trust,

Patricia Eberley
Administrative Consultant

NOTE:  All Policy Booklet information can be accessed on the Air Canada Component of CUPE web site www.accomponent.ca.

Manion, Wilkins & Associates
Plan Administration
626-21 Four Seasons Place
Etobicoke, Ontario
M9B 0A6

Switchboard: 416-234-5044
Toll Free Line:  1-800-663-7849
Fax: 416-234-0127
Contact Centre: 1-866-532-8999