In April of this year, the Trustees of the Telecommunication Workers Benefit Plan (TWBP) announced that they were extending the open enrolment period to June 30, 2009.

This extension was to ensure that all members received the open enrolment information and had sufficient time to consider the benefits offered by the Plan, which include Group Life Insurance, Survivor Income Benefits (SIB) and Short Term Disability (STD) coverage. June 30 is one week from today.

An information package was sent to all TWU members who were not already members of the TWBP, providing an explanation of the benefits and application cards to enroll. Members who did not belong to the Plan and had not received the information package were told to contact the TWBP office immediately.

Enrolling in the Plan during the open enrolment period allows members to enroll without being required to provide medical evidence of insurability. Enrolment is open to all actively working members and coverage becomes effective immediately after receipt of two payroll deductions.

The TWU Transmitter provides information about the benefits offered by the TWBP as well as testimonials, questions and answers, etc. You can print a copy of the Transmitter containing the TWBP information at http://www.twu-canada.ca/news_files/transmitter/2008WinterE.pdf. Or you can check out the TWBP Web site at www.twplans.com  for information and relevant notices.

If you have any questions about all this, the TWBP staff will be pleased to help you. They can be reached at (604) 430-3300 or toll-free at 1-877-430-3302. The toll-free number will direct members to staff in either English or French. But remember, the open enrollment deadline is Tuesday, June 30.