TO ALL IAMAW MEMBERS WORKING AT AVEOS
Supplementary Health Plan
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
As you may be aware, the Union had an outstanding question dealing with the payment of premiums under Air Canada’s Supplementary Health Plan in the case of retired / rehired employees.
The question was:
Must retired / rehired employees pay Air Canada’s Supplementary Health Plan premiums while they are covered by the Supplementary Health Plan offered by Aveos?
John Bevridge, Air Canada’s Labour Relations Manager, stated the following:
These employees get a one-time opportunity to apply for coverage under Air Canada’s Supplementary Health Plan.
This one-time opportunity takes place once you retire from Air Canada.
If you choose to take advantage of this insurance and apply for coverage under Air Canada’s plan, premiums under this plan will be withdrawn from your pension cheque.
If you choose not to take advantage of this insurance, you will not have the ability to apply at a later date.
You may be able to coordinate benefits, but premium payments are effective immediately, that is, you cannot defer payment until your retirement from Aveos.
The Union is still pursuing this issue and, if successful, will seek reimbursement for eligible members.
Please note, however, that as a retired / rehired employee, you automatically have basic coverage under Air Canada’s Basic Group Life Plan paid by Air Canada.
If you do not understand this issue and still have questions, please feel free to contact your regional general chairperson at Transportation District 140.
In solidarity,
Tony Didoshak
General Chairperson, Western Region
TD:mcb
