Group Insurance Benefits Improved
Our bargaining committee maintained and improved group insurance coverages, despite the corporation’s significant attempt to reduce these coverages.
Survivor Benefits
Survivor Income Benefit Insurance (SIBI) has been increased $50, from $650 to $700 per month. The bridge benefit (24 months) has been increased $50 per month, from $650 to $700. In addition, the Mothers and Fathers Benefit will increase by $25, from $350 to $375.
Sickness and Accident (S&A) and Extended Disability Benefits (EDB)
As a result of the negotiated increases in the base hourly rate, all workers will receive increases in the Sickness and Accident Benefits and Extended Disability Benefits. Benefits under Basic Life and Extra Accident will also increase (see chart).
Sickness and Accident Pay Waiting Period Reduced
Eligibility for Sickness and Accident Benefits has improved.
The waiting period is three working days, instead of five, for an illness but no waiting period for injuries.
Life Insurance
Life insurance coverage will increase with base hourly wage increases (see chart). In addition, members will become eligible for life insurance on the day of hire. Previously, they became eligible the first day of the month after hire.
Dependent Life Insurance
No later than July 1, 2008, dependent life insurance will increase to $40,000 per child. The employee must furnish satisfactory evidence of the good health of the child to the insurance company for amounts above $20,000.
Exam Mileage Reimbursement
The exam mileage reimbursement was increased to the IRS maximum limit of 48.5 cents and will keep pace with increases by the IRS.
Letter 2(6)(f) – Benefit Representatives
These negotiations resulted in a major gain for our members to have access to Benefit Representatives during temporary adjustments and temporary layoffs. Plants that have 600 or more employees will have one Benefit Plans Representative.
Sweep Accounts
In an effort to minimize the impact of overpayments from Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDIB), the parties have agreed to allow the use of so-called “sweep accounts.” Under the current program, members agree to repay any amount they received from the program when they receive their SSDIB award. The sweep account, which is voluntary, allows SSDIB to transfer funds directly into the sweep account which is then directed to the corporation. In addition, UAW-Chrysler Legal Services is approved to assist members in applying for Social Security Disability applications.
