Monetary Assistance

TO ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL 27:

Monetary Assistance

The Government of Canada has made a number of announcements regarding monetary assistance which will be provided to workers. In addition, your Union (and the benefit plans) have been working to secure other forms of monetary assistance for you during this difficult time. Below is a summary of what may be available to you. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your business representatives, the Local Union Coordinator (Paul Daly: 647-201-5611), or Sector Coordinators (Pat Bono: 416-666-4452 and Darren Sharpe: 647-241-9406).

Employment Insurance

Whether you qualify for EI is dependent on your specific situation, including the number of hours worked in the last 52 weeks. Most members of Local 27 who are paid hourly will be eligible for EI. If you are a pieceworker, the Government of Canada has announced a benefit system which may be applicable to you (addressed further below).

There are two general circumstances where you may wish to access EI benefits:

1. If you are unable to work as a result of your workplace shutting down, layoff, or another non-sickness related reason; or

2. If you are unable to work as a result of self-isolation or quarantine.

If you are unable to work as a result of a non-sickness related reason (i.e. layoff, workplace closed, etc.), you must access the regular EI benefits. The government recommends that people apply as soon as possible to find out if they qualify. You can apply online (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/apply.html). If approved, the maximum amount paid out per week is $573.00. It appears, at this time, the standard waiting period for regular EI continues to apply.

If you are unable to work as a result of self-isolation or quarantine, you may be able to access the EI sickness benefits. The Government of Canada has announced that the one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be removed for those who have been told to self-isolate or quarantine, You can apply online (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/apply.html), but you must also then call the toll free number (Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 / Teletypewriter: 1-800-529-3742) to apply to have the one-week waiting period waived.

If you are not eligible for EI, including because you are a pieceworker, the Government of Canada has announced two benefits which may be available to you: the Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit. 

The Emergency Care Benefit provides up to $900 every two weeks for up to 15 weeks to those affected by COVID-19. It is intended for those who don’t qualify for EI, can’t go to work and don’t have paid sick leave. Workers, including pieceworkers, who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 as well as those staying home to take care of a family member with COVID-19, can apply for this benefit.

The Emergency Support Benefit will provide long-term support to workers ineligible for EI who face unemployment. The Government has not yet indicated how much it will provide to each worker or how long the funds will be given out.

Both benefit plans will be available to apply for in April through the CRA website (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals.html) as well as through a toll-free number which has not yet been made public.

Additional Assistance Available Through Your Benefit Plans

In addition to the government-provided assistance, your Union has been diligently working with the benefit plans to provide additional assistance to our members. For further information, please contact your business representative and/or your plan administrator directly. If you are contacting your plan administrator, please remember that they will be flooded with requests for information, so your patience is greatly appreciated. Below is a brief summary of the assistance which you may be eligible for. 

Members in the Local 27 ICI Benefit Plan (including Residential High-Rise Trim Carpenters)

Your benefit plan is administered by Manion Wilkins & Associates Ltd. (www.manionwilkins.com). 

• Restrictions have been waived regarding vacation pay, meaning that you will be able to withdraw those funds. You may apply to do so by accessing the Manion Wilkins’ website.

Members in the Local 27 ICI Resilient Flooring Plan

Your benefit plan is administered by Manion Wilkins & Associates Ltd. (www.manionwilkins.com). 

• Please contact your business representatives or plan administrator to discuss any benefits which may be available to you.

Residential Low-Rise Trim Carpenters

Your benefit plan is administered by Manion Wilkins & Associates Ltd. (www.manionwilkins.com). 

• If you have an RRSP through your collective agreement, you will be eligible to withdraw up to $5000 (if you have a sufficient balance in your RRSP) from that RRSP by applying through a simplified withdrawal procedure.

Roofing and Exterior Cladding Carpenters

Your benefit plan is administered by the McAteer Group of Companies (www.mcateer.ca). 

• If you have an RRSP through your collective agreement, you will be eligible to withdraw up to $5000 (if you have a sufficient balance in your RRSP) from that RRSP by applying through a simplified withdrawal procedure.

• The plan is waiving the administrative fee for early withdrawal of any productivity bonus you may otherwise be entitled to under your collective agreement.

Residential Flooring Installers

Your benefit plan is administered by the McAteer Group of Companies (www.mcateer.ca).

• Please contact your business representatives or plan administrator to discuss any benefits which may be available to you.