CLEVELAND, November 19 — The BLET National Division has secured more time to implement the changes to the Short Term Disability program.
Among the many changes is an increase from $362 per week to $402 per week for non-occupational disabilities only under Part A of the plan, and the addition of $50,000 of Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
The changes will go into effect with the January 2009 Dues Remittance Report, which should be available online January 15, 2009. Originally, the plan was slated to go into effect with the December 2008 report, so this extension should allow the Secretary-Treasurers enough time to opt out those who elect not to participate in the voluntary “occupational disability” (part B) of the plan.
While a deadline to opt out had been set for December 1, 2008, that was for the purpose of providing as much time as possible for the ST to update the monthly report. Since we now have more time to implement the changes, the December 1 date is not hard and fast. If members wish to opt out, then they should do so as soon as possible. It should also be understood that a member may opt out at any time without penalty. A member may re-enroll only during the annual open enrollment period that will be announced next year.
The National Division has also changed the online reporting system to accommodate the Short Term Disability program. Basically, it is a two-step procedure. The first step is to uncheck the box for those who opt out of the voluntary plan, and the second step is to increase payroll deductions for those who desire to participate in the plan.
Railroads participating in the Short-Term Disability Plan are Belt Railway of Chicago, Conrail (SAA/CSX-Northern District), CP Rail-U.S., CSX, Delaware & Hudson/Springfield Terminal, Duluth Missabe & Iron Range, Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range-Two Harbors, Kansas City Southern Railway, Longview, Portland Northern and Longview Switching, Portland & Western, Union Pacific, and Metra.
“I hope that this additional time will allow you to implement the procedure,” BLET National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert said. “If you should need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office.”
For UTU members, an “opt in” form is available for download:
https://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/BLETSTD-UTUform.pdf