Saturday, June 09, 2018
I’m pleased to report that AMAPCEO has successfully advocated for resolution of an issue affecting our most vulnerable members—those on Long Term Income Protection (LTIP).
The 2014 OPS contract included a permanent conversion of Compensation Option Credits (COC) days into vacation credits—with those who had COC credit banks being permitted the ability to use time off up until August 2020.
For members who have the unfortunate experience of going on to LTIP—something that occurs without warning—the ability to use COC credits is lost as they cannot be used to top up Short Term Sickness Protection (STSP), nor can they be cashed out. However, since the 2014 contract, working members have had six more vacation credits (former COC credits) that are permitted to be used for STSP top up or payout at permanent exit from the workforce.
We successfully argued that members who transitioned to LTIP post-2014 and who had COC banks pre-dating 2014 should have any stranded credits converted to vacation credits for payout.
As a result, approximately 40 ill or injured members who now subsist on a reduced income will now receive what was once thought to be lost through no fault of their own.
Stronger together,
Dave Bulmer
President