As you know, all ETFO Locals will be transitioned into the ETFO ELHT Benefits Plan on a staggered basis over the 2016-2017 school year.
Durham ETFO members were scheduled to transition into the plan during Wave 2 on February 1, 2017. However, ETFO was advised late last week that the Durham District School Board will not be transferring the required benefits data to the Ontario Teachers’ Insurance Plan (OTIP) in time to ensure that Durham members are transitioned into the plan on February 1, 2017. Both the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association and the Ministry are supporting the actions of the Board.
ETFO filed central and local grievances for violation of the Benefits Letters of Agreement contained in the Central Agreements. We will work to ensure that the Board is in compliance with the request for the data to be transferred in a timely manner to OTIP. We will communicate with all Durham ETFO members as soon as we have more information.
In the interim, your benefits will continue to be provided by the Board in accordance with your existing collective agreement. The premium holiday that was achieved recently through a grievance settlement will also continue until further notice. More information will be shared as soon as possible.
CL:EK