Common use of GENERAL BENEFIT PROGRAM Clause in Contracts

GENERAL BENEFIT PROGRAM. (a) The Employer contributes towards premium payments for coverage for each regular full time employee under the following insurance plans: No coverage for “over the counter” prescription drugs. Dental plan includes 50% of orthodontic services, for a maximum of $750.00 per year and to a lifetime maximum of $1,500.00 for dependant children 6-18 years of age. (b) The above items are mandatory as a condition of employment for each employee residing in Ontario. However, where an employee is able to furnish proof of enrolment with spouse on Item I, II, III and IV, they shall so advise the Director of Human Resources and shall be exempt from such coverage. (c) Employees are eligible for Items II, III and IV on the first of the month following a six (6) month waiting period. (d) The Employer shall pay for each participating regular full time employee one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of items I, II, III and IV in Article 40.0 (a) above. (e) The Employer shall provide the opportunity for an employee at their own option and at the employee's cost through payroll deduction to buy at group rates voluntary Personal Accident Insurance and Optional Term Group Life Insurance subject to the eligibility provisions of the applicable insurance plans (as permitted by the Human Rights Code). (f) Employees must notify the agency in writing of any changes to their benefit status. (g) The employer may change benefit carriers provided the benefits provided under the new carrier are equal to or greater than the benefits described in article (a) The employer shall provide the Union with notice of intent and confirmation of benefit levels prior to the changeover in carriers. A copy of the benefit plan booklet shall be provided to the Union within 30 days of ratification in any contract year. In the case of a changeover in carriers, the employer will provide a copy of the benefit plan booklet within 60 days of the actual date of changeover to a new carrier. (a) In the case of absence for lay off or formal leave of absence, the Employer will continue to pay its share of the premiums of all items mentioned in Article 40.0 to a maximum of three (3) months from commencement of absence, except for educational leave of absence (Article 28.5) where such premiums will be paid for the duration of such leave. (b) Where an employee is absent because of illness for which they are in receipt of sick leave pay under the terms of Article 42.1 of this Agreement, the Employer shall continue to pay its share of premiums of items mentioned in Article 40.0 until such time as the employee is no longer in receipt of basic sick leave pay under the terms of this Agreement. 40.2 In the case of absence for illness, injury compensable or not, or lay off and where the Employer has fulfilled its responsibilities as set out in Article 40.0, thereafter the employee may pay full premiums through the Employer if they so desire for a maximum period of twelve (12)