The Trustees of the Telecommunication Workers Benefit Plan (TWBP) have extended the open enrolment period to June 30, 2009. This extension is to ensure all members have received the open enrolment information and have sufficient time to consider the benefits offered by the Plan. The benefits include Group Life Insurance, Survivor Income Benefits (SIB) and Short Term Disability (STD) coverage.

An information package was sent to all TWU members who were not already a member of the TWBP in late January and early February 2009. This package provided an explanation of the benefits and application cards to enrol. If you are not a member of the Plan and have not received the information package, please contact the TWBP office immediately to ensure you receive this information before the open enrolment period comes to an end.

The benefit of enrolling in the Plan during this open enrolment period is to allow members to enrol without the requirement of medical evidence of insurability. Enrolment is open to all actively working members and coverage will be effective immediately after receipt of two payroll deductions.

If you're currently not working but receiving STD benefits from the Company, you're still eligible to enrol in the Plan as long as two payroll deductions can be remitted on your behalf. You will not be entitled to any STD benefits from the TW Benefit Plan for a disability that occurred prior to joining the Plan, however you will be covered for Life Insurance, Survivor Income Benefits and eligible to apply for a future STD claim if you return to work and re-qualify as a new claim.

If you're currently receive Long Term Disability benefits you will not be eligible to enrol at this time. However, if you return to work before the open enrolment offer expires you will be eligible to enrol without the requirement of medical evidence of insurability.
 
There are a number of articles in the TWU's Transmitter magazine – winter 2008 edition, on pages 13 to 17 that provide additional information about the benefits offered by the TW Benefit Plan as well as testimonials, questions and answers, etc. You can view the Transmitter on the TWU website at http://www.twu-canada.ca/news_files/transmitter/2008WinterE.pdf. (Please note there was one small correction in the Transmitter page 17 in the last sentence, "Temporary employees are not eligible".  You can also visit the TWBP Web site at www.twplans.com  for information and notices.

If you have any questions, 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.

We encourage members to discuss with their Union Locals about having a TWBP presentation for the members in their area. The Administrator would be happy to attend a Local meeting upon request.