2012 REDUCTION-IN-FORCE - 11JUL

Employees are eligible for a range of benefits:

Holidays:

You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year. Ten month employees covered by a specific collective bargaining agreement must refer to the provisions of that agreement.

Vacation:

Employees of Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 13 earn 21 days per year. Ten month employees covered by a specific collective bargaining agreement must refer to the provisions of that agreement.

Sick Leave:

Employees of Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 13 earn 21 days per year. Accumulated (unused) credits may be used toward computing retirement benefits. Ten month employees covered by a specific collective bargaining agreement must refer to the provisions of that agreement.

Health Insurance:

If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee’s enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.

Group Life Insurance:

The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees between $5,200 to $26,000 depending on the employee’s age and $1,900 for retirees.

Premium Conversion Plan:

Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

Effective July 1, 2000, eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.

Retirement Plan:

The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits. A normal benefit is based on an employee’s years of credited service times 1.25% of the average of the employee’s three highest years of pay.

Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA):

If eligible, Department of Education employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.

Deferred Compensation:

The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.

Temporary Disability Insurance:

Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.

Social Security:

As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee’s social security account.

Workers’ Compensation:

If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers’ compensation. An employee’s sick leave or vacation leave may be used in combination with the workers’ compensation benefits to assure a full paycheck.

Union & Collective Bargaining:

Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employee’s job is excluded from collective bargaining.

The above is intended as a summary of the applicable collective bargaining agreements, laws, rules, policies or plan documents, and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.