The Benefits Sub-committee held its first meeting with the Continental company representatives. The attendees from the company: Jeff Wall (Senior Director Labor Relations), Dixon McKinzie (Managing Director HR Tech. Ops.), and Robin Curtis (Staff VP HR). From the committee: Robert Clever, Gary Kagel, Nick Manicone (IBT Attorney), Ralph Salzano and Audrey Scates. Other participants: Paul Becerra, Tommy Esposito, Vinny Graziano, Carl Leverson, Steven Olsen and Norman Weintraub (IBT Consultant).
The company in the past week provided many requested documents that will need to be reviewed extensively by the committee. For the meeting today we posed numerous questions of concern about current benefits and some of them how the merger would affect them. Following are the topics:
Retirement and what affect the merger would play with the notes the PBGC holds due from United because of their previously bankrupted Defined Benefit Plan. Our concern is that the merger would constitute a fundamental change governing the notes and if so would become due to be paid. Mr. Wall explained that the PGBC is only concerned with UAL employees plans and would become involved in this matter. Also stressed was the company representatives did not have answers for what happens on the UAL side.
The CARP plan as to concerns of the Lump Sum payment being withdrawn as an option. Mr. Wall explained that under the current regulations if an employee has reached age 50 or greater with at least 20 years of service, age 55 with 10 years of service or age 65, then the option for lump sum will remain as long as minimum funding for the plan is maintained by the company. An example of an employee 49 years of age and 30 years service was discussed. Unless an employee meets the thresholds (50 with 20 years or greater; 55 with 10 years or greater or age 65) they are not "vested" in this payout. Because the 49 year old , 30 year employee does not meet one of the criteria, he is not "vested" in the ability to take lump sums upon retirement until he turns 50 years old.
Continental Healthy Living program and the sharing of medical information in regard’s to HIPPA regulations. A couple of attending members have had personal concern after having been contacted. Mrs. Curtis gave a detailed explanation on when, why and how this program is administered. This included the health triggers for a call from nurses, such as numerous inputs from different health care providers to surgeries that are scheduled when not medically necessary. We were assured that by no means did the patient advocate have the authority to deny care of the employee or altering that care. Their position is to inform and help, if wanted by the employee, to make decisions regarding health care. In addition health care coaches are available for on-going medical needs. We also were briefed by Mrs. Curtis about the access of and confidentiality of the medical information.
What the committee felt are abuses of an employee while on occupational injury were discussed. Mr. Wall commented that the company is complying with what is required by law. Further discussions about abuse or disregard for the employee took place and Mrs. Curtis gave the committee a couple of contacts for when concerns arise.
Pass travel, in regards to Buddy Pass riders, was discussed. The swapping of flights between eligible flights and United Express creates a problem where Buddies are stranded having to seek other means of travel. Mr. Wall stated while there is no immediate relief for this, the problem should be resolved upon integration of the new pass travel program. The company was unable to disclose a timeline for this.
The new age requirement for employers to cover an employee’s dependant extended to age 26. Where state laws such as Florida differ from federal, the federal law will override. Mrs. Curtis was going to check on a question Mr. Salzano had about states where the company was not self insured.
The Personal Accident Insurance has numerous benefits that many members may not realize. There are too many to list here. Reviewing the benefits of the plan for both an employee and dependants is suggested.
Platform for benefits. Right now we use Hewitt and UA has a different company. The new company is looking to get everyone on the same platform. This doesn’t mean insurance at this point only the company that administers the benefits. We should see this change later this year.
The next meeting of the committee is set tentatively for June, 16, 2011.
We finished the day with discussions mostly between Mr. Wall and Mr. Weintraub about the establishment of a cost of living committee. Mr. Manicone suggested the need to decide on an outside consultant that both parties would agree to. The committee will be established then the date for the first meeting set.
Robert Clever
Lead Technician IAH
IBT Local 19