May 07, 2009
Disability Plan use before a layoff and issues we are seeing our members go through in using our plans.
We have a number of members going out on Short Term Disability or were already on disability prior to layoff and depending on the severity of their condition can run into situations that may jeopardize their disability plan qualifications and possibly unemployment. Employees with conditions preventing any chances of working at all are covered with little to no complications but for conditions less disabilitating there can be problems if the doctor writes the employee back to work with restrictions. The structure of every job in the plant has changed to the point were it's much easier for the plant to accommodate a restrictive condition because small segments of connecting jobs can be used to meet restrictive duties and allow employees to work instead of drawing a reduced disability pay. This sounds good and under normal circumstances it would be but when it comes to a layoff and an employee's seniority places them on the layoff list they will be laid off making them ineligible for the disability plan. These employees end up laid off and continue to be under the care of their doctor in need of additional medical procedures up to and including surgery. It's important employees understand if they have a condition requiring surgery to make sure they get the surgery done instead of trying to avoid it in hopes of possibly getting back to work with restrictions to a job that may not affect the condition they have. Seniority determines an employees employment in layoff situations and returning to work takes an employee off of disability .
Blue Cross Blue Shield Issues.
We have finally smoothed our healthcare plan out to the point it's manageable and we are seeing much faster results in getting questionable claim resolutions. It's important all members understand that our Benefits Office continues to handle claim issues for working and laid off employees along with employees paying for continued coverage under Cobra. If any member is having coverage issues and can't seem to get resolution through Blue Cross membership services they should call the UAW Benefits Office at the plant at 704 645-5159.
COBRA.
During our April membership meeting I commented on changes to the Cobra laws and how it can affect premiums associated in maintaining healthcare coverage using Cobra. Laid off employee will be sent information concerning requirements for continued Cobra coverage at substantially reduced cost to employees. It's very important to read the information received and get answers to any question an employee may have so they don't miss the opportunity to keep healthcare for their family as well as themselves. Information will come from Zenith Administrators and will have a phone number for answers to questions. If for some reason a member can't get an answer or continues to need help in understanding this information they should call our in plant Benefits Office to hopefully get direction.
Retirement.
I've received many calls concerning our Pension plan and asked if a person doesn't retire before they get laid off will they loose their pension. The answer is no, employees with 5yrs of seniority are vested in the pension plan and the plan is protected by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, a federal insurance agency. The benefit lost by an employee through layoff is an opportunity to continue our healthcare plan and employees under age 55 and less than 10 yrs of service would have to pay a substantial amount to keep our current healthcare coverage. Any additional questions concerning Retirement Pension Plan Benefits should log on to www.truckbenefits.com or call the in plant UAW Benefits Office at 704 645-5159.
Thanks,
Michael Hicks
UAW Benefits Rep
Local 3520, Cleveland, N.C.
Freightliner Plant
Daimler Trucks North America
michael.hicks@daimler.com Office - 704 645-5159
Fax - 704 645-5304