Timeline

CUPE, BCPSEA, and the Province of British Columbia commenced discussions to conclude a Public Sector Accord on K – 12 support staff issues. The discussions addressed the establishment of a jointly trusteed health and welfare trust.

Bill-7 (the Public Education Support Staff Collective Bargaining Assistance Act) included an $11.8 million commitment from the Province of British Columbia to provide long-term disability (LTD) benefits to support staff members.

28 June

The trust agreement between CUPE and BCPSEA was signed.

The province provided an interest-free advance of $3 million to establish a joint early intervention service. PEBT fully repaid it by the end of 2008.

3 July

First meeting of initial PEBT Board of Trustees.

1 March

Introduction of LTD benefits to support staff members included in Bill-7.

1 August

Initial enrolment began for other benefits (life insurance, accident insurance, health care and dental care). PEBT facilitated the provision of these Other Benefits to the districts/members.

1 July

The Core LTD benefit, initially set at 50% of monthly earnings, was increased to 60% of monthly earnings.

Spring

Participation in the PEBT was expanded through collective bargaining to include additional school districts and union locals representing approximately 8,000 support staff members.

1 November

Core LTD benefits were implemented for the additional support staff members.

1 January

Initial enrollment commenced for other benefits (life insurance, accident insurance, health care and dental care) for the additional support staff members.

1, 2 March

The PEBT held a province-wide conference attended by 200 representatives of school districts, union locals and staff representatives, BCPSEA staff, and government.

28, 29 February

We sponsored a second province-wide conference focusing on the Core LTD Program. Dr. Martin Collis was the guest speaker on “Workplace Wellness,” and 220 people attended the conference.

27, 28 October

We sponsored a province-wide Health & Wellness conference. Featured guest speakers were Dr. Art Histor and Olympian Brian Price.

April

The Core LTD Benefit was increased to 66.67% of monthly earnings.

26, 27 November

The PEBT sponsored a province-wide conference focusing on Mental Health in the Workplace. Guest speakers included David Granirer, Stand up for Mental Health; Rebecca Marino, Former Professional Tennis Player; and Dr. Susan Biali, Wellness Expert/Life Coach.

July

The Core LTD Benefit was increased to 70% of monthly earnings.

January

We added coverage for medical monitoring to a maximum of $2,500 per year, effective January 1, 2021.

July

A member’s extended health and dental coverage contributions are covered by the PEBT during the first two years of long-term disability starting July 1, 2021.

Transition to direct-to-insurer administration