Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority Collective Agreement 2024-2026

Article 19: Employee Benefit Plans

1. The Employer shall continue the following group plans for all eligible Employees where such plans are currently in effect or shall implement the following group plans where enrollments and other requirements of the insurer has been met.
2. Prepaid Health Benefits
   The Employer shall provide the following group plans to eligible Employees, and the Health Benefits Plan will be paid ten percent (10%) by the Employee and ninety percent (90%) by the Employer, as outlined in the Benefit Providers contract for the MD of Bonnyville, which shall include, but is not limited to:
   1. Short-Term Disability (weekly indemnity) - income replacement for a period of up to one hundred and twenty (120) days in the event that a prolonged illness or injury excluding Workers Compensation claims, prevents an Employee from working, provided at sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of weekly pre-disability earnings.  The Employer shall top up the sixty-six and two-thirds (66 2/3) paid by short term disability to one hundred percent (100%) of the regular salary from the Employee’s sick bank, paid bi-weekly. Earning of sick leave, vacation credits and top up will cease upon depletion of Employee sick bank;
   2. Long Term Disability (income replacement during a qualifying disability equal to sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of basic monthly earnings to the established maximum established by the disability insurer) following a one hundred and twenty (120) day short term disability claim.
3. Where the benefits specified in Article 19.02 are provided through insurance obtained by the Employer, the administration of such plans shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions of the applicable benefits policies or contracts.
4. When an Employee is in receipt of short term disability, the Employer agrees to pay ninety percent (90%) of health benefits.
5. An Employee shall cease to earn sick leave and vacation credits while on LTD.
6. The Employer shall distribute to all eligible Employees brochures and other relevant information concerning the above plans upon successful completion of probation, and when there are changes to the plan.
7. Temporary Employees and Casual Employees are not eligible to participate in the Employee Benefits Plan.  However, such individuals covered by the Collective Agreement who were enrolled for such benefits on the day prior to the commencement date of this Collective Agreement shall not have benefits discontinued solely due to the application of this provision.
8. 1. The Employer shall provide one copy of each of the plans to the Union.
   2. The Employer shall advise, as applicable, the Union of all premium rate changes pursuant to Article 19.