days until our Collective Agreement expires, we are preparing, we are united and we will make change.

WIP – Continuation Of Coverage During Absence From Work

This is a reminder that in the event you take a Leave of Absence the following procedures apply:

Prepayment of premiums is not required for an absence from the payroll of fifteen (15) calendar days or less.  Prepayment of premiums is required for an absence from the payroll of sixteen (16) or more calendar days for one of the following reasons.  You must prepay the required premium in full within 45 (forty-five) days in order to be eligible for benefit consideration following the end of any of these periods:

1. Leave of absence granted: (such as personal, educational, maternity, child care, bereavement, or jury duty) other than inability to meet medical standards (IMMS), your coverage may be continued for a maximum duration of up to 24 months;

If you have elected to keep your coverage in force and you become totally disabled during the 24-month period, the elimination period will commence on the date you are scheduled to return to work.

2. Lay-off: your coverage may be continued for a maximum duration of up to six (6) months. Should you become disabled during the six-month period, you will not be eligible for benefit consideration unless you are recalled from lay-off status.

If you have elected to keep your coverage in force and you become totally disabled during the 24-month period, the elimination period will commence on the date you are scheduled to return to work;

3. Suspension: your coverage may be continued for the duration of your suspension.

If you have elected to keep your coverage in force and should you be eligible for benefit consideration, the elimination period will begin on the date you are recalled to work;

4. Strike or lockout: your coverage will be suspended during the strike or lockout but will be reinstated once the strike or lockout has ended and you have returned to active work.

If you are in receipt of disability benefits under the contract before the strike or lock-out, benefits shall continue during the strike or lock-out.

Should you become totally disabled during a strike or lockout, you will not be eligible for benefit consideration.

Should you not prepay the required premium, your coverage will lapse and will not become effective until you return to full-time active work as a flight attendant.

To ensure continued coverage for up to 24 months (six (6) months during a lay-off), you must make the first required premium payment within 45 days from the commencement of the leave of absence. The date payment is received by MANION will determine your on time payment.

For more information regarding prepayment of premiums or to make arrangements for prepayment of premiums, please contact MANION by phone at 416-234-3511 or toll free at 1-866-532-8999.

VACATION
If you are on vacation and become disabled, the 7-day elimination period commences following the date first not available for work at the completion of your vacation.

If your leave of absence of 16 (sixteen) or more calendar days precedes your vacation and you have not prepaid the premium for that leave of absence, coverage will not be reinstated until you return to active work.

No prepayment of premiums is required when you are absent from work due to vacation or a personal leave of absence of 15 (fifteen) calendar days or less.

Please contact Manion’s contact centre for applicable rates at 1-866-532-8999. This must be done within 45 days of the commencement of the Leave of Absence. The cost is based on the previous 3 months earnings plus 1.07% (the Employer’s portion) plus applicable taxes.

Note: Please ensure you have reviewed Collective Agreement language when LOA’s precede days off and any consequences that follow.

The SSQ Wage Indemnity Policy Booklet can be found on the Air Canada Component of CUPE website at www.accomponent.ca and is what each member ought to rely on. Alternatively if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Administrative Consultant.

On Behalf of The Board of Trust,

Stephen Morash
Administrative Consultant

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