News

FT Operator Voluntary Layoffs Offer

Posting Date: April 24, 2020
Removal Date: April 30, 2020

Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, more conventional and specialized service reductions will be implemented in May 2020 due to low ridership throughout the service. This will include a
number of temporary layoffs for full-time conventional and specialized operators.

At this time, we are asking if any full-time conventional or specialized operators may be interested in a voluntary layoff.  Please be sure to note the following important items before deciding to volunteer for layoff:

• Prior to issuing temporary layoff notices to junior Operators, Unifor Local 4304 has requested that Management inquire if there are Operators that would voluntarily take a layoff. Operators that volunteer to be laid off would be selected by seniority. If you volunteer to be laid off, you would be called back by seniority when service resumes.
• The number of positions impacted are not known at this time.
• The length of the temporary layoff for full time Specialized Operators is also unknown at this time.
• The length of the temporary layoff for full time Bus Operators is expected to last until June 22, 2020, however this date is not certain and may change in the future.
• Typically, a temporary layoff is up to a 13-week period of unpaid leave, however the duration of the temporary layoff will be dependent on when regular ridership resumes.
• As an employee on temporary layoff you would be issued a Record of Employment (ROE) and you may be eligible for the recently announced Canada Emergency Response Benefit (“CERB”). According to the information released by the Government of Canada, eligible employees can receive a flat benefit of up to $2,000 per four-week period for reasons relating to COVID-19, for up to 16 weeks. You can find additional details at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#new_canada_emergency_response_benefit
• While on a temporary layoff you would not accrue vacation, sick time or seniority. You will not lose seniority; however, no additional seniority would be earned while you are on a temporary layoff.
• The period of a temporary layoff is not considered eligible service by OMERS. You will not receive OMERS service during the temporary layoff and there is no opportunity to purchase the service at a later date.
• You will continue to be entitled to receive your health benefits for up to six months from the date that you are laid off, provided you pay the appropriate premiums to continue coverage after the first 30 days. You have the option of maintaining all or portion of your benefits. The premium cost to maintain your benefits are below:

Family Coverage:

Option 1: Purchase entire benefit package including Family Health, Family Dental, LTD and Life Insurance.
Monthly cost – $1081.80

Option 2: Purchase Family Health and Family Dental benefits only.
Monthly cost – $699.07

Option 3: Purchase LTD and Life Insurance.
Monthly cost – $382.73

Option 4: Terminate benefit coverage for the duration of my leave. You have 30 days only to convert to a private plan if you want. Contact Steve Kidd at 519-744-4545 for information.

Single Coverage:

Option 1: Purchase entire benefit package including Single Health, Single Dental, LTD and Life Insurance.
Monthly cost – $658.21

Option 2: Purchase Single Health and Single Dental benefits only.
Monthly cost – $275.48

Option 3: Purchase LTD and Life Insurance.
Monthly cost – $382.73

Option 4: Terminate benefit coverage for the duration of my leave. You have 30 days only to convert to a private plan if you want. Contact Steve Kidd at 519-744-4545 for information.

Please advise Cathy Clayton by email at CClayton@regionofwaterloo.ca no later than Tuesday, April 28 by 8:30 a.m. If you do not contact Cathy by that date, we will assume that you are not volunteering to be laid off.

Please be assured that regardless of the option you select you continue to be employed by Grand River Transit.

Thank you,
Neil Malcolm
Assistant Director, Transit Services
Notice #2020-1729