At the Joint VCC/Langara Benefits Committee on Friday November 24, 2017 and the following changes were negotiated by Western Compensation & Benefits Consultants (WCBC) and adopted by committee members.

Effective December 1, 2017*:
Group Life Insurance This benefit is paid by the Employer, provided by Sun Life (14.16 in the Collective Agreement (CA) (3 x annual salary up to age 65; 1.5 x annual salary 66-69; $10,000 age 70+ and retired members) rates will decrease by 4%
Voluntary Insurance This benefit is paid by members, provided by Sun Life (14.17 in the CA (increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $250,000), rates will stay the same.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) This benefit is paid by the Employer, provided by Sun Life , rates will stay the same.
Short Term Disability (STD) This benefit is paid by members, is non-taxable, provided by Sun Life (14.18 in the CA), rates will increase by 34% (from $0.473 to $0.634). A rate increase of 32% was required because of increased utilization. The other 2% increase is for the waiting period being reduced from 10 days to 5 days.
Long Term Disability (LTD) This benefit is paid by members, provided by Sun Life (14.18 in the CA), rates will increase by 2`% (from $2.090 to $2.132).
Extended Health Benefits (EHB) This benefit is paid by the Employer, provided by Pacific Blue Cross, (14.13 in the CA) rates will increase by 5% to: single: $103.74, family: $254.96.
Dental Plan This benefit is paid by the Employer, provided by Pacific Blue Cross, (14.14 in the CA) rates will decrease by 6% to: single: $45.59, couple: $90.65, family: $161.74

Effective January 1, 2018*:
Medical Services Plan (MSP) This benefit is paid by the Employer, provided by the Government of British Columbia (14.12 in the CA), will be decreased by 50%.

Effective September 1, 2017*:
Deferred Savings This benefit is paid by the Employer (rate of 2% of your salary) and the Member (rate of 1.5% of your salary), provided by ManuLife (14.11 in the CA). These contributions can be directed to a Structured Registered Savings Plan (STRP) or a Non-Registered Savings Plan (NOREG) or a Tax Free Savings Plan (TFSA). The TFSA has been available for some time for direct contributions but as of September 1, 2017 your deferred savings contributions are able to be allocated directly to a TFSA; forms attached. Any questions contact hrcentral@vcc.ca

No Change but FYI:
Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) This benefit is paid by the Employer and is provided by Morneau Shepell (14.6 in the CA).