Summary –
Article 4 – Fringe Benefits did not undergo major changes in this round of negotiations. There were, however, several minor changes made to the language to improve clarity and usability overall. Please note this overview only addresses changes/additions/deletions made to the language and processes outlined in Article 4. It does not detail the wages and benefits UPM has negotiated with the District.
Below please find a detailed rundown of every change made to the article.
Specifics –
Changes:
4.2.a – The language in this section previously explained the eligibility requirements and structure of the benefits package offered temporary credit and non-credit unit members. These ideas have been separated. Now 4.2a only discusses the structure of the benefits package and 4.2b and c explain eligibility requirements.
4.2c – The district no longer offers the Safe Harbor plan to temporary faculty that fall below 6 units discussed under 4.2.d in the prior contract. These faculty may continue health care coverage at their own expense via COBRA.
4.2d – Temporary unit members who do not qualify for health care benefits have the option to enroll in the Two-Tier Anchor Bronze Plan. Previously, these faculty could enroll in the same health care program as eligible faculty.
4.2e – Will be revised as agreed upon in the District’s monetary offer. Please see TA for more detail regarding Part-Time Dental Reimbursement Process and Maximum Total Dental Reimbursement funds per fiscal year.
4.5 – New language clarifies that AD&D benefit only applies to permanent/probationary faculty.
4.6. – New language clarifies that pre-tax shelter program for benefits only applies to permanent/probationary faculty. To participate in the program faculty must notify the Benefits Office. It is not applied by default.
4.7a – New language states that effective July 1, 2014 with the implementation of SISC, any unit member working 90% FTE or more must participate in one of the medical benefits plans offered by the District unless they were hired before July 1, 2014 and opted out of medical benefits because they possess comparable coverage. Language requiring permanent/probationary faculty to notify Fiscal Services before October 1st each year has been removed. New language clarifying that if a unit member who took the medical waiver reinstates District medical benefits, they will no longer be eligible for the waiver.
4.7b – New language added. Temporary credit members who are eligible for medical coverage and wish to voluntarily wave that coverage must provide Fiscal Services documentation of comparable coverage under another plan by October 1st of each year.
4.7c – New language added. Temporary non-credit members who are eligible for medical coverage and wish to voluntarily wave that coverage must provide Fiscal Services documentation of comparable coverage under another plan by October 1st of each year.
4.8 – New language clarifies that life insurance benefit only applies to permanent/probationary faculty.
4.8.1 – New language clarifies that voluntary life insurance benefit only applies to permanent/probationary faculty.
4.9 – CRA Trust – Will be revised as agreed upon in the District’s monetary offer. Please see TA for more detail regarding the change in language.
4.10 – The previous language related to domestic partnerships has been significantly scaled back and updated to be consistent with California law.
4.11.1 – New language clarifies who is eligible for Fringe Benefits for Retirees (Hired before 7/1/1988).
4.11.2 (Previously 4.11.1) – New language clarifies SISC Requirements for Fringe Benefit Retirees that are eligible for Medicare.
4.11.3 – (Previously 4.11.2) – New language clarifies SISC Requirements for Fringe Benefit Retirees that are eligible for Medicare.
4.11.4 – (Previously 4.11.3) – New language clarifies what dental coverage Fringe Benefit Retirees (Hired before 7/1/1981) are eligible for.
Additions (New to this Article):
None
Deletions:
4.3c (Prior Contract) – This language was deleted because it was outdated. It discusses what happens when someone who is enrolled in a “hospital-medical plan” loses coverage due to termination or loss of eligibility. In the past, that person was given the opportunity to convert to coverage outside the district program.
4.14 (Prior Contract) – The resignation incentive language was deleted except for 4.14c which outlines under what circumstances a beneficiary of the incentive can seek re-employment with the district.