It feels like we are sliding right into summer, and a lot is happening. We are seeing more and more people on campus, and increased research activity.
LTD Referendum Results
The results of the LTD referendum are as follows:
Total Votes: 763
No change to Plan Design: 362 (47.4%)
Remove COLA and Reduce benefit to 70% net income: 401 (52.6%)
These results are also published on our Unifor Simply Voting site.
This means that as of July 1, 2020, any new LTD claims will be administered under the new plan design. The benefit payment rate will be 70% of net income and there will be no COLA provisions. The Union will notify the University and you can expect to see communications from them relating to LTD rates for the 2020-2021 benefit year. We do know that our LTD premium rate as of July 1, 2020 will see a small decrease from 2.59% to 2.49%.
We had a lot of good conversation with our membership over the course of the referendum, and appreciate that the financial costs of the LTD premiums were a burden for the majority of our membership. As expressed through the town hall meetings, the membership was provided all of the information to make this choice. We thank all that attended or sent questions, your feedback and conversation was valuable.
Thank you to everyone who voted.
On Campus
Those of you on campus may have seen the new measures that have been implemented at the MDCL building. These have been put in place to improve the flow of work between MUMC and MDCL areas. Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. McMaster employees must use the north entrance by the Atrium to access MDCL and they must go through the screening process. After 7 p.m., entrance will be through the HSC underground garage screening station. Masks must be worn inside the building. You may bring your own, or one will be provided for you.
While we are keeping abreast of measures being taken on campus, sometimes what is in the ‘plan’ and what is actually happening are two different things. This is why we would encourage anyone who has a question or concern regarding anything Health and Safety related to reach out to Jim McAndrew, Health and Safety Coordinator.
Education and Training Opportunities
Unifor National’s Education Department has recently introduced a number of new topics for upcoming few weeks. All the webinars are free to our members. More information and upcoming courses can be found on our website’s post, or on the Education Department’s On-Line Portal. Upcoming courses included Health and Safety focused topics, as well as those relating to broader issues like Rebuilding Canada’s Infrastructure and Rebuilding with Green Jobs. There is also one coming up on What Allies can do to Support Racial Justice.
COVID-19 Economic Supports
Your local Union has been actively engaging with resources in our efforts to advocate for supports and resources for our members. We have been in communication with Federal MPs, Provincial MPPs as well as participated in consultations at a municipal level. We have worked with our National Union on government consultations to ensure that the impacts to those in our local and our sector are clear to those in a position to make changes. We will continue to advocate for our members, but there are things you can do too. Unifor National has a campaign to Provide Pandemic Pay for all Health Care Workers. If you visit this page, you can quickly add your voice to let your MPP and the Minister of Health know you support pandemic pay for all health care and front-line workers.