Hi everyone,

Hope everyone is dug out from the storm we had, especially those in our schools on the eastern part of the County. As we start February, a reminder that this week we celebrate African Heritage Month, which this year is themed, Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians. This month is a time to celebrate and recognize the history and culture of people of African descent. The theme aligns with the final year of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD) 2015-2024.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:
March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

PD Committee

 Hello County!

The PD committee is excited to announce that Cash 4 Classrooms is back!  This time, even better than before!  Please follow the link below and see the attached poster for details.  Cash 4 Classrooms is an opportunity for you to buy supplies or materials for your classroom/workspace and be reimbursed for up to $150.  Please ensure you complete the Google Form completely and carefully, reading all the details and questions, as incomplete or incorrect forms could make you ineligible.  Complete the Google Form by February 24, 2024!  

Google Form Application Link:   http://bit.ly/cash4class

Any questions or concerns, please reach out to halifaxcountypd@nstu.ca   Thanks County! 

All the best, 

Your Hfx County Local PD Committee

Jonathon Sproul

Shelley Luddington

Nominations

The Nominations Committee is now accepting nominations for president of Halifax County Local.  Nominations can be submitted by completing the Google form at the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc83rUctvzvYsgL8D7muXjVEobsVDDQ859AN9H5O2SilPh1bA/viewform

Nominations will close on Friday, February 9 at 4 pm.

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

Provincial

ARTICLE 39 DEFERRED SALARY LEAVE PLAN

39.01 A Deferred Salary Leave Plan as agreed by the Employer and the Union, Appendix B, shall be implemented.

39.02 The Employer shall be responsible for advising Education Entities of the details of the program.

39.03 The Union shall be responsible for advising the teachers of the details of the program.

39.04 The program shall not be amended except by mutual agreement of the Employer and the Union.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

Over-Age Dependents

Coverage

NSTU Total Care Medical/Dental Program provides coverage for eligible members, their spouses and dependent children to the age of 21, if unmarried and dependent upon the member for maintenance and support. NSTU Group Insurance is supplemental to Provincially Sponsored Medical Plans.

Coverage extended to age 27, if the child is attending an institution of higher learning on a full-time basis, unmarried and dependent upon the member for maintenance and support.

Definitions

“Dependent Children” means either natural children (legitimate or illegitimate), adopted children, or stepchildren of the member who are:

• under 21 years of age, unmarried and dependent upon you for maintenance and support; or
• under 27 years of age and unmarried and in attendance* at an institution of higher learning and dependent upon you for maintenance and support; or
• any functionally impaired child may remain insured past the maximum age. The child, upon reaching the maximum age, must still be incapable of self-sustaining employment and be completely dependent on you for support and maintenance.

“Over-age Dependents” – On your dependent’s 21st birthday you must provide Johnson Inc. proof of full-time attendance at a post-secondary educational institution.

Requirements

All dependent children between the ages of 21 and 27 attending an institution of higher learning must provide Johnson Inc. each September with proof of full-time attendance at a post–secondary educational institution.

Proof must clearly indicate your over-age dependent’s name, full-time status and the semester they are attending.

Please forward one of the following examples of adequate proof of overage dependent status:

1. invoice of tuition paid confirming full-time status
2. a letter from the school confirming full-time status (any associated
   charges are your responsibility)
3. timetable of courses confirming full-time status

Indicate on proof of full-time status, your name plus professional number.

On-line learning reviewed on an individual basis*.

If your over-age dependent discontinues enrolment in a formal education program or graduates, you must notify Johnson Inc. immediately to terminate over-age coverage.

Claims for “Over-Age Dependent” children cannot be processed by Medavie Blue Cross until the “Over-Age Dependent” is registered with Johnson Inc.

Your over-age dependent can use your benefit card. An additional card can be issued upon your request.

Insured dependents who reside outside of the Atlantic Provinces may be required to submit expenses for reimbursement.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the above, please call the Administrator, Johnson Inc., at 453-9543 or 1-800-453-9543 (toll-free).

email: insurance@nstu.ca or nstu@johnson.ca

Visit the Johnson Inc. website:  www.johnson.ca

Take care,

Shawn Hanifen

Hi everyone,

Hope you all hunkered down for the Monday storm and were able to get dug out from all the drifts. Just a brief Check-In and please note some of the important Announcements.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:
March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

PD Committee

Hello County!

The PD committee is excited to announce that Cash 4 Classrooms is back!  This time, even better than before!  Please follow the link below and see the attached poster for details.  Cash 4 Classrooms is an opportunity for you to buy supplies or materials for your classroom/workspace and be reimbursed for up to $150.  Please ensure you complete the Google Form completely and carefully, reading all the details and questions, as incomplete or incorrect forms could make you ineligible.  Complete the Google Form by February 24, 2024!  

Google Form Application Link:   http://bit.ly/cash4class

Any questions or concerns, please reach out to halifaxcountypd@nstu.ca   Thanks County! 

All the best, 

Your Hfx County Local PD Committee

Jonathon Sproul

Shelley Luddington

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee is now accepting nominations for president of Halifax County Local.  Nominations can be submitted by completing the Google form at the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc83rUctvzvYsgL8D7muXjVEobsVDDQ859AN9H5O2SilPh1bA/viewform

Nominations will close on Friday, February 9 at 4 pm.

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

Provincial

ARTICLE 16 TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND CHANGE IN CERTIFICATION

General

16.01 A teacher shall apply to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development or delegated official for certification or change therein.

16.02 An application made under 16.01 shall be supported by an official transcript or transcripts or acceptable documentation issued by the appropriate institution(s).

16.03 Documentation as per 16.02 shall be submitted within a reasonable time after receipt.

16.04 A certificate shall be issued only after receipt by the Registrar of official documentation. The initial certificate or new certificate shall be issued within thirty (30) days of receipt by the Registrar of the required official documentation. Notwithstanding this, if, for unforeseen circumstances, a certificate cannot be issued in thirty (30) days the Union shall be informed in writing.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

NSED Travel Insurance

Travel remains a challenge as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, things are slowly improving as more and more people get vaccinated. This has allowed some travel restrictions to be lifted and for more people to begin travelling again.

To ensure plan members are up-to-date with the latest travel coverage information, the NSTU Group Insurance Trustees have prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions. For more information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and your travel benefits, please visit Medavie Blue Cross at https://www.medaviebc.ca/en/info-centre-covid-19.

The NSED Travel Insurance Plan offers complete coverage for your travel needs in one convenient package, with options to suit your budget. The Provincial Health Plan provides limited basic coverage for travel outside of your Province of Residence. If you have a medical emergency while travelling outside Canada, costs can easily escalate and will not all be covered by the government plan.

You and/or your family must be insured under the Provincial Health Insurance Plan in your Province of Residence to be eligible to join the plan. You can also cover your spouse and your eligible dependent children under the family option.

Out of Province/Canada Emergency Medical Insurance Plan

Cost Sharing

Member pays 100% – Annual Plan – renews automatically each September 1^st.
As per the policy wording, there are no refunds available under the base plan.

Coverage

Base Plan allows unlimited travel up to a maximum of 35 calendar days per trip during the policy year. Supplementary Plan provides coverage for trips in excess of 35 calendar days on a per trip basis up to 210 days and includes the Base Plan coverage.

• Pre-existing medical conditions clause
• CanAssistance including a 24-hour emergency help line

Click here for the full policy wording of NSED Travel Out of Province/Canada Emergency Medical Insurance Plan.

Need to Make a Claim?

In the event of a medical emergency while travelling outside your Province of Residence, you or your representative must call Medavie Blue Cross’ appointed travel assistance provider as soon as possible at one of the following numbers:

From Canada or the United States – 1-800-563-4444
From anywhere else – 1-506-854-2222 (collect) – If calling collect is not possible, Medavie Blue Cross will reimburse the cost of the call

Trip Cancellation/Interruption

Cost Sharing

Member pays 100% – Annual Plan – renews automatically each September 1^st

Coverage

Available to all members who are enrolled in the NSED Travel Out of Province/Canada Emergency Medical Insurance Plan.

Trip Cancellation – up to $5,000 per insured person per annual coverage period
Trip Interruption – up to a maximum of $5,000 per insured person for each covered trip

• Up to a maximum $1,000 for baggage and personal effects during a covered trip
• Pre-existing medical conditions clause
• Worldwide Travel Assistance including a 24-hour emergency help line

Click here for the full policy wording of NSED Travel Insurance Trip Cancellation/Interruption Plan.

Need to Make a Claim?

Prior to the departure date, upon the occurrence of an event listed amongst the eligible risks, you must contact the travel agent or carrier, as the case may be, within 48 hours of the event in order to cancel the trip.  Medavie Blue Cross must also be notified within the same time limit.

The Medavie Blue Cross toll-free customer information line is 1-800-667-4511 (ask for Travel Claims)

If the trip has already commenced, you must contact Medavie Blue Cross’ appointed travel assistance provider as soon as possible at one of the following numbers:

From Canada or the United States – 1-800-563-4444
From anywhere else – 1-506-854-2222 (collect) – If calling collect is not possible, Medavie Blue Cross will reimburse the cost of the call

IMPORTANT – Did you Know?

Did you know that the insured days of your trip starts when you leave your residing province and not when you leave the country? For example, you have a 35 day base plan and have a trip booked in Florida for 34 days. Prior to heading to Florida you decide to travel to a different province to visit Family or Friends for 7 days. This means your total trip is now 41 days (days outside of your province) and you will not be covered for the last 6 days of your trip in Florida. You can purchase Supplemental Plans that can range from 40 to 210 days to cover you in instances like the above to cater to you trip length.

Underwriters

Underwritten by Medavie Blue Cross

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the above, please call the Administrator, Johnson Inc., at 453-9543 or 1-800-453-9543 (toll-free).

email: insurance@nstu.ca or nstu@johnson.ca

Take care,

Shawn Hanifen

Hi everyone,

Just a brief Check-In this week, please see the important PD and Nomination announcements.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:

March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

PD Committee 

Hello County!

The PD committee is excited to announce that Cash 4 Classrooms is back!  This time, even better than before!  Please follow the link below and see the attached poster for details.  Cash 4 Classrooms is an opportunity for you to buy supplies or materials for your classroom/workspace and be reimbursed for up to $150.  Please ensure you complete the Google Form completely and carefully, reading all the details and questions, as incomplete or incorrect forms could make you ineligible.  Complete the Google Form by February 24, 2024!  

Google Form Application Link:   http://bit.ly/cash4class

Any questions or concerns, please reach out to halifaxcountypd@nstu.ca   Thanks County! 

All the best, 

Your Hfx County Local PD Committee

Jonathon Sproul

Shelley Luddington

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee is now accepting nominations for president of Halifax County Local.  Nominations can be submitted by completing the Google form at the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc83rUctvzvYsgL8D7muXjVEobsVDDQ859AN9H5O2SilPh1bA/viewform

Nominations will close on Friday, February 9 at 4 pm.

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

Provincial

ARTICLE 68 TEACHER PROPERTY – LOSS OR DAMAGE

68.01 A teacher shall receive compensation for loss from theft of or damage to personal property used for instructional purposes within the school and/or extracurricular activities sponsored by the Education Entity /school in which the teacher is employed:

 68.02 Where personal property of a teacher is lost or damaged, the teacher may make a written claim subject to the following:

1. The teacher has taken appropriate steps to protect the property from loss or damage;
2. The teacher has written authorization of school based administration prior to the use of such property;
3. The teacher carries a homeowner insurance policy on the teacher’s personal property and the property being claimed is not covered by the policy. The claim shall be made within three (3) working days of the effective knowledge of the theft or damage. d. A compensation claim shall be limited to: (i) the replacement cost of the article; (ii) a maximum payment by the Education Entity on any claim of one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200.00) or if the article is covered under a teacher’s home owner insurance policy a compensation claim shall be limited to the deductible portion of the teacher’s insurance policy; (iii) claims of less than fifty dollars ($50.00) will not be considered.

68.03 The Education Entity shall reimburse teachers for eyeglasses that are damaged in the course of a teacher’s duties, provided the teacher can demonstrate that she/he acted in a responsible manner. The teacher shall be reimbursed to a limit of four hundred dollars ($400.00) for a claim and the teacher must first access their NSTU medical insurance policy on eyeglasses if available.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

Long Term Disability

Effective August 1, 2014 – the NSTU Long Term Disability Plan is mandatory for all members without the ability to opt out unless the following condition has been met:

• Plan member is age 65 or has 35 years of pensionable service less accumulated sick leave.

Cost Sharing

Under the Teachers’ Provincial Agreement/APSEA Agreement, the Employer cost shares monthly premium with members by paying 50%. Some members are grandfathered at 70% of the monthly cost.

Coverage

• 70% of gross monthly salary at time claim commences – taxable
• For long-term claims, benefit reduced by Workers’ Compensation and/or Canada Pension
• Rehabilitation benefit
• Cost-of-living benefit, outside the insurance contract
• Elimination period of 90 calendar days, or accumulated sick leave, whichever is greater
• Benefits payable to age 65
• Pension contributions are made by Member and Employer

Adjudicators

Adjudicated by Manulife Financial

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the above, please call the Administrator, Johnson Inc., at 453-9543 or 1-800-453-9543 (toll-free).

email: insurance@nstu.ca or nstu@johnson.ca

Visit the Johnson Inc. website:  www.johnson.ca

Take care,

Shawn Hanifen

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone had a good weekend. Please note that there are some important announcements in this week’s Check-In on Cash for Classrooms (PD) and the election of a new local president this Spring (Nominations). Also below is information on OH&S as some members have reached out regarding the process.  

Please make sure you exercise your right to a safe workplace. It is the employer’s duty have a safe workplace for employees. If it is not safe, it is their duty to make it so. This includes violence and harassment in the workplace.

To assist members there is a link to the OH&S page on the NSTU website, as well as the contact info for our NSTU staff officer/central NSTU; and the contact information for the Department of Labour for your OH&S specific questions. The OH&S Division are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive safety information and report unsafe workplace conditions.

While members are reminded that workplace safety is an individual right, members with questions are encouraged to contact our NSTU Staff Officer for advice and clarification on the OH&S process in their workplace. Our local’s NSTU staff officer is Wally Fiander ans he can be reached by email at wfiander@staff.nstu.ca or for immediate assistance please call the central NSTU at (902)477-5621 or toll free at 1-800565-6788 and ask to speak to either Wally or any NSTU staff officer in Member Services.

NS OH&S Division

1-800-9LABOUR: Workplace and technical safety information services

Call 1-800-9LABOUR if you see something unsafe or have questions about safety at work or in a public place in relation to technical equipment. The line is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-800-9LABOUR is an information line you can call to get safety information or to report a safety concern you see at work. You can also report safety concerns you see in public if they relate to technical equipment (like elevators and lifts, fuel equipment and cranes).

We’ll prioritize calls based on how serious and urgent the subject is. Calls that involve imminent danger or serious incidents will be given high priority.

If you’re calling about a workplace, you should follow the workplace’s internal safety protocols. This could mean talking to your supervisor or safety committee.

When you should call

You can call to request services, ask for information or report workplace health and safety issues or public space issues in relation to technical equipment. Examples of when to call include when:

• you or a co-worker is at risk of being hurt on the job, or has been hurt
• you’re reporting an injury on a piece of technical equipment in a public space (like an elevator, lift or amusement ride)
• you have questions about a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, or need help starting one
• you have questions about safety or training in the workplace
• you have questions about licences, certificates or permits for technical equipment (including elevators, lifts and amusements, fuel safety, boiler and pressure vessel, power engineering and crane operators)
• you have questions about occupational health and safety, technical safety or the relevant acts and regulations

All calls are confidential. If you’re reporting an incident or concern, it’s helpful if you provide as much information as possible, including the 4 W’s: who was involved, what happened, when did it happen and where?

Contact

Safety Branch

Toll-free: 1-800-9LABOUR (1-800-952-2687)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:
March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

PD Committee

 Hello County!

The PD committee is excited to announce that Cash 4 Classrooms is back!  This time, even better than before!  Please follow the link below and see the attached poster for details.  Cash 4 Classrooms is an opportunity for you to buy supplies or materials for your classroom/workspace and be reimbursed for up to $150.  Please ensure you complete the Google Form completely and carefully, reading all the details and questions, as incomplete or incorrect forms could make you ineligible.  Complete the Google Form by February 24, 2024!  

Google Form Application Link:   http://bit.ly/cash4class

Any questions or concerns, please reach out to halifaxcountypd@nstu.ca   Thanks County! 

All the best, 

Your Hfx County Local PD Committee

Jonathon Sproul

Shelley Luddington

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee is now accepting nominations for president of Halifax County Local.  Nominations can be submitted by completing the Google form at the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc83rUctvzvYsgL8D7muXjVEobsVDDQ859AN9H5O2SilPh1bA/viewform

Nominations will close on Friday, February 9 at 4 pm.

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

ARTICLE 37 ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCY SUPPORT

37.01 Without detracting from the existing rights and obligations of the parties recognized in other provisions of this Agreement, the employer and the Union agree to cooperate in encouraging teachers who are alcohol or drug dependent to undergo a program directed to the objective of their rehabilitation.

37.02 (i) When job performance appears to be negatively affected by alcoholism or drug dependency, the Immediate Supervisor may refer the teacher to NSTU Counselling Services and/or After Hours Telephone Crisis Counselling and Referral Service. (ii) If job performance does not improve or shows continuing deterioration, the Immediate Supervisor may consult with Human Resources who shall refer the teacher to NSTU counselling services and/or After Hours Telephone Crisis Counselling and Referral Service. This is employer initiated, but participation is voluntary. The referral is to be in writing and is to be delivered confidentially to the teacher.

37.03 The employer’s concern with the teacher’s alcoholism or drug dependency shall be limited to its effects on the teacher’s job performance.

37.04 The teacher has the right to NSTU representation at any meeting called by the employer for this purpose.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

Optional Critical Illness Insurance

Cost Sharing

Member Pays 100%

Coverage

• Units of $10,000 up to $50,000 with no medical evidence of insurability (proof of health)
• Additional amount available to a maximum of $300,000 medical evidence of insurability required (proof of health)
• Lump sum tax free payment if diagnosed with one of the eligible critical illnesses
• 29 Conditions covered for member & spouse
• 20 Conditions covered for dependent children
• Pre-existing conditions clause applies unless you submit a medical questionnaire and are approved for coverage
• Benefits not payable for any life-threatening cancer made within 90 days following effective date and if diagnosed with one of the covered illnesses, there is a 30 day survival period
• Covered until 75^thbirthday for member and spouse. Dependent children covered until they are no longer eligible

Underwriters

Underwritten by Desjardins Financial

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the above, please call the Administrator, Johnson Inc., at 453-9543 or 1-800-453-9543 (toll-free).

email: insurance@nstu.ca or nstu@johnson.ca

Visit the Johnson Inc. website:  www.johnson.ca

Have a great week,

Shawn Hanifen

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone has had a great first week back. Some members have reached out regarding their marking and prep time being given back. Marking and preparation Time is Article 59 in the Teachers Provincial Agreement (TPA). Both are provincial and regional agreements can be found in the link below.

Contracts / Agreements (nstu.ca)

If you have any questions regarding your prep time, please reach out to our NSTU staff officer Wally Fiander at wfiander@staff.nstu.ca for assistance. For immediate assistance, please call (902)477-5621/toll free at 1-800-565-6788 and ask to speak to either Wally or an NSTU staff officer in Member Services.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reminder that the General Meeting this week at 6pm on Wednesday, January 12^th at the Legion.

Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:

January 10
March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

ARTICLE 28 COMPASSIONATE CARE LEAVE

28.01 The Director of Human Resources shall grant a teacher unpaid leave, to be taken in blocks of not less than two weeks. Entitlement to the leave shall be consistent with the Compassionate Care provisions of the Employment Insurance Act and Regulations.

28.02 All insurance benefits shall remain in effect while the teacher is on leave.

28.03 A teacher shall give two (2) teaching days notice to the Director of Human Resources prior to returning to work.

28.04 If there is a death of the family member during the Compassionate Care Leave, the teacher will be entitled to Special Leave/Bereavement Leave according to the Local Agreement that applies to the teacher on leave. Where this Article conflicts with Special Leave/Bereavement Leave, the Local Agreement shall prevail.

28.05 Subject to the provisions of the Article 32.21 through 32.25 Substitute Teachers of this Agreement, where a replacement teacher is required for a teacher on Compassionate Care Leave, the replacement shall be a substitute teacher.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Cost Sharing

Member pays 100%

Coverage

If under age 70 coverage available in amounts from $5,000 to $300,000

If age 70 to 74 inclusive, the coverage available is $5,000 to $100,000, however, there is no coverage for Permanent Total Disability, Home-Maker Weekly Indemnity and Hospital Indemnity.

Coverage for loss of life, loss of limbs or loss of use of limbs, etc. as per schedule.

For members with a spouse and/or dependent children, family coverage as per schedule. If you have a spouse and / or eligible dependent children, you are automatically insured for family coverage.

• If under age 70 coverage available in amounts from $5,000 to $300,000.
• If age 70 to 74 inclusive, the coverage available is $5,000 to $100,000, however, there is no coverage for Permanent Total Disability, Home-Maker Weekly Indemnity and Hospital Indemnity.
• Coverage for loss of life, loss of limbs or loss of use of limbs, etc., as per schedule.
• For members with a spouse and/or dependent children, family coverage as per schedule.
• 24 hour, 365 day coverage.
• Repatriation Benefit.
• Education Benefit.
• Day Care Benefit.
• Rehabilitation Benefit.
• Spousal Retraining Benefit.
• Workplace Modification Benefit.
• Child Enhancement Benefit.
• Permanent Total Disability.
• Family Transportation Benefit.
• Identification Benefit.
• Common Disaster Benefit.
• Seat Belt Benefit.
• Home Alteration and / or Vehicle Modification Benefit.
• Hospital Indemnity Benefit.
• Escalation Benefit.
• Extension of Family Coverage.
• Cosmetic Disfigurement Benefit.
• Comatose Benefit.
• Business Venture Benefit.
• Home-Maker Weekly Indemnity Benefit.
•  
• Waiver of Premium if totally disabled prior to age 60.
• Can be continued to age 75.
• Conversion option available when your insurance terminates.

Underwriters

Underwritten by SSQ Insurance Company Inc.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the above, please call the Administrator, Johnson Inc., at 453-9543 or 1-800-453-9543 (toll-free).

email: insurance@nstu.ca or nstu@johnson.ca

Visit the Johnson Inc. website:  www.johnson.ca

In solidarity,

Shawn Hanifen

Hi everyone,

Welcome back and Happy New Year. I hope everyone has had a restful and relaxing holiday break. Please feel free to reach out if you need assistance either by email halifaxcountylocal@nstu.ca or by phone at (902) 499-0933, also have the NSTU central office numbers handy for assistance at (902)477-5621/toll free at 1-800-565-6788. And also I can do a school visit either at lunch or afterschool for any school that would like.

ANNOUNCEMEMENTS

 Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:

January 10
March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

As some teachers have asked about their lost narking and preparation time, I have included the section in article 59 to clarify. Please email our local NSTU staff officer if you need assistance with lost marking and preparation time, Wally’s email is wfiander@staff.nstu.ca.

ARTICLE 59 MARKING AND PREPARATION TIME

59.05 A teacher who is required by the Principal to fill in when a substitute is not hired pursuant to Article 32.23 (Substitute Teachers) of this Agreement shall have the lost marking and preparation time rescheduled within ten (10) school days.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

Optional Group Life Insurance & Spousal Life Insurance

Cost Sharing

Member pays 100%

Coverage

Effective May 1, 2019 – Initial Amount increased to $100,000 member / $50,000 spouse. The initial amount of Optional Life Insurance has increased over the years, therefore, member may be insured for a lesser amount. The initial amount of $100,000 member or $50,000 spouse for a new member is not subject to medical evidence of insurability. However, a 24-month pre-existing condition clause applies.

Additional amounts available in units of $5,000. The overall maximum of Optional Life Insurance available is $300,000.

Spouse covered for $10,000 & Dependent Children covered for $5,000. Spouse can apply for an amount equal to or less than your amount of coverage.

• Can apply at any time under age 65. No application beyond age 65
• At age 70, the benefit will reduce to a maximum of $50,000. Anyone who has less than $50,000 of coverage would continue with the lesser amount
• Can be continued to age 85
• For amounts $100,000 and below for the member and $50,000 and below for the spouse, coverage takes effect the first of the month following receipt of the application. For all amounts that require medical evidence, coverage takes effect the first of the month following approval by the insurer.
• Conversion option available

Underwriters

Underwritten by Manulife Financial

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the above, please call the Administrator, Johnson Inc., at 453-9543 or 1-800-453-9543 (toll-free).

email: insurance@nstu.ca or nstu@johnson.ca

Visit the Johnson Inc. website:  www.johnson.ca

Additional Resources

Further details can be found by visiting the Johnson Inc. Members-Only website.

In solidarity,

Shawn Hanifen

Hi everyone,

Just a brief Check-In this week, with ERIP information and announcements, as we quickly close in on a well-deserved holiday break. Please note the following important deadline coming up for members considering retirement at the end of December. Please make sure members considering retiring this year are aware of this plan and its application deadline.

Early Retirement Incentive Plan

Any member who is retiring this year and interested in an Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP) must apply by December 31^st. Any retiring teacher should reach out to the local’s NSTU executive staff officer, Wally Fiander, for details. Wally’s email is wfiander@staff.nstu.ca  and members can find more information for ERIP applications in the provincial agreement below.

Teachers’ Provincial Agreement 2015-2019 (windows.net)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nominations

Please see the attached AC 2023 Delegate Application Form link below for any Halifax County member to apply to attend this year’s Annual Council.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrXQGcfxos0qgW7AahHhuGf-W2_YLtrbUTs9eQpXeEMj4EAA/viewform

Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:

January 10
March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

Communications

Please see the below link to the Communication Committee’s “2024 Member Engagement Conference” sent on behalf of Suzanne Rholand VP of Communications and the Communication  committee. Any questions can be sent to Suzanne at HfxCoCommunications@nstu.ca

​http://bit.ly/HfxCountyMEC2024​

Have a wonderful break everyone,

Shawn Hanifen

Local President

Hi everyone,

Just a brief Check-In this week as we quickly close in on a well-deserved holiday break. Please note the following important deadline coming up for members considering retirement to apply for ERIP’s by the end of December. Please make sure members considering retiring this year are aware of this plan and its application deadline.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Early Retirement Incentive Plan

Any member who is retiring this year and interested in an Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP) must apply by December 31^st. Any retiring teacher should reach out to the local’s NSTU executive staff officer, Wally Fiander, for details. Wally’s email is wfiander@staff.nstu.ca.

 Mileage with HRCE

Please note that mileage (if applicable-circuit/specialists) forms can be found on myHRCE and that they use Google maps. If there is a discrepancy, you can override their calculation. Any questions regarding this can be sent tohrhelp@hrce.ca

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

Provincial

ARTICLE 39 DEFERRED SALARY LEAVE PLAN

39.01 A Deferred Salary Leave Plan as agreed by the Employer and the Union, Appendix B, shall be implemented.

39.02 The Employer shall be responsible for advising Education Entities of the details of the program.

39.03 The Union shall be responsible for advising the teachers of the details of the program.

39.04 The program shall not be amended except by mutual agreement of the Employer and the Union.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

 Over-Age Dependents

Coverage

NSTU Total Care Medical/Dental Program provides coverage for eligible members, their spouses and dependent children to the age of 21, if unmarried and dependent upon the member for maintenance and support. NSTU Group Insurance is supplemental to Provincially Sponsored Medical Plans.

Coverage extended to age 27, if the child is attending an institution of higher learning on a full-time basis, unmarried and dependent upon the member for maintenance and support.

Definitions

“Dependent Children” means either natural children (legitimate or illegitimate), adopted children, or stepchildren of the member who are:

• under 21 years of age, unmarried and dependent upon you for maintenance and support; or
• under 27 years of age and unmarried and in attendance* at an institution of higher learning and dependent upon you for maintenance and support; or
• any functionally impaired child may remain insured past the maximum age. The child, upon reaching the maximum age, must still be incapable of self-sustaining employment and be completely dependent on you for support and maintenance.

“Over-age Dependents” – On your dependent’s 21st birthday you must provide Johnson Inc. proof of full-time attendance at a post-secondary educational institution.

Requirements

All dependent children between the ages of 21 and 27 attending an institution of higher learning must provide Johnson Inc. each September with proof of full-time attendance at a post–secondary educational institution.

Proof must clearly indicate your over-age dependent’s name, full-time status and the semester they are attending.

Please forward one of the following examples of adequate proof of overage dependent status:

1. invoice of tuition paid confirming full-time status
2. a letter from the school confirming full-time status (any associated
   charges are your responsibility)
3. timetable of courses confirming full-time status

Indicate on proof of full-time status, your name plus professional number.

On-line learning reviewed on an individual basis*.

If your over-age dependent discontinues enrolment in a formal education program or graduates, you must notify Johnson Inc. immediately to terminate over-age coverage.

Claims for “Over-Age Dependent” children cannot be processed by Medavie Blue Cross until the “Over-Age Dependent” is registered with Johnson Inc.

Your over-age dependent can use your benefit card. An additional card can be issued upon your request.

Insured dependents who reside outside of the Atlantic Provinces may be required to submit expenses for reimbursement.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the above, please call the Administrator, Johnson Inc., at 453-9543 or 1-800-453-9543 (toll-free).

email: insurance@nstu.ca or nstu@johnson.ca

Visit the Johnson Inc. website:  www.johnson.ca

Have a great week everyone,

Shawn Hanifen

Local President

Hi everyone,

Just a brief Check-In this week. Please note the following important deadline coming up for members considering retirement to apply for ERIP’s by the end of December. Please make sure members considering retiring this year are aware of this plan and its application deadline.

Early Retirement Incentive Plan

Any member who is retiring this year and interested in an Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP) must apply by December 31^st. Any retiring teacher should reach out to the local’s NSTU executive staff officer, Wally Fiander, for details. Wally’s email is wfiander@staff.nstu.ca

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:

January 10
March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

(Provincial)

Marking and Prep Time (minimum 12.5%)

Effective August 1, 2021, existing Articles 59.02 and 59.03 are deleted and replaced by the following:

59.02 Notwithstanding 59.01 the following applies to override Appendix E where necessary: • A minimum of twelve and one half percent (12.5%) of instructional time shall be provided to each teacher for marking and preparation, averaged over the school year.

*To be used as an example only*

300min/instructional day= 37.5 min Prep (300×0.125)/day

Or 187.5 min/week or 375min/10 day cycle

Coverage While on Prep

59.05 A teacher who is required by the Principal to fill in when a substitute is not hired pursuant to Article 32.23 (Substitute Teachers) of this Agreement shall have the lost marking and preparation time rescheduled within ten (10) school days.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

Total Care – Dental​

Benefit is not automatic. New members who commence work prior to October 1, must contact Johnson and enroll no later than October 15. Coverage will take effect the first of the month following receipt of the application form or request for coverage.

New members who commence work after October 1, must enroll within 31 days of commencing work. Coverage to take effect the first of the month following receipt of application.

Should you elect not to participate in the plan, but wish to participate at a future date, coverage will be effective September 1, following receipt of application. If you participate in the program, coverage will remain in effect for a full twelve-month period, provided you remain an active member or employee of the NSTU.

Cost Sharing

Under the Teachers’ Provincial Agreement/APSEA Agreement, the Employer pays 65% of monthly premium of Single or Family plans. Member pays 100% of Prosthodontic and Orthodontic Benefit. Benefit is not automatic.

 Coverage

Basic Preventative Services

80% reimbursement for such items as the following (benefit maximums may apply):

• oral examinations;
• cleanings, pit and fissure sealants;
• fillings;
• root canal therapy;
• periodontic services;
• denture repairs or relining;
• extraction of teeth.

Major Restorative Services

60% reimbursement for the following major restorative services to a maximum payment of $1,500 per person per calendar year:

• crown restorations;
• inlay and onlay restorations;
• gold fillings when teeth cannot be restored with other material.

Prosthodontic Services

50% reimbursement to a maximum payment of $1,500 per person per calendar year.

Orthodontic Services

50% reimbursement to a maximum payment of $2,000 per person lifetime.

Have a great week,

Shawn Hanifen

Local President

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend as November ends and we all head into the holiday season. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both our First VP, Turk MacDonald, and his committee for their hard work on Resolutions to Annual Council last week. There was some great debate and many resolutions that were passed.

Please see the below items as the deadlines for both are quickly approaching for our Member Registry to be updated to get the maximum number of delegates to Annual Council. And for those members who are considering retiring please note the application process for an ERIP.

Early Retirement Incentive Plan

Any member who is retiring this year and interested in an Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP) must apply by December 31^st. Any retiring teacher should reach out to the local’s NSTU executive staff officer, Wally Fiander, for details. Wally’s email is wfiander@staff.nstu.ca

NSTU Member Registry

NSTU reps should be updating the Membership Registry online and in real time. When an NSTU rep updates the site list, the changes are immediately made to the database ensuring the Union’s membership information is current and accurate.

Individual members can also update all their personal, employment assignment and contact information themselves

Membership figures are pulled from the Registry on the first Monday in December and the first Monday in March each year.  NSTU representatives are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the site information within the Membership Registry.  All site updates should be completed at least one week prior to each of the above-mentioned dates and may be completed any time prior to that point. Should you require additional information please contact NSTU Central Office by phoning (902)-477-5621, or toll free at (800) 565-6788 or by emailing registry@nstu.ca.

A link to the webpage and the Site Management Instructions for NSTU School Representatives is below. In addition, at the bottom of the webpage link there is a link to forms for new members at your school site, if they do not show up on your registry.

Membership Registry (nstu.ca)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meeting dates

The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:

January 10
March 6
April 10
May 8
June 5

*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.

Economic Welfare

Workshops update.

We have completed two of the three planned workshops, Pensions 101 and Teachers and the Law. The final workshop before the holiday break will be Pregnancy, Adoption and Parental Leave, December 6^th .

Don’t miss out sign up now by filling out the google form.

http://forms.gle/jpkVUEq3ip5nFzmm9   by December 2^nd or by emailing Tara at taraarseneau@nstu.ca 

It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement

Provincial

ARTICLE 26 LEAVE FOR INJURY ON DUTY

26.01 (i) When injured in the performance of the teacher’s duties, which duties have been approved by an Education Entity or its representative, the teacher, on application to the Education Entity, shall be placed on leave with full salary until the teacher is medically certified able to continue teaching.

Please remember that the teacher must report the injury immediately to their immediate supervisor (there is a timeline of within 14 calendar days unless incapacitated by the injury) and the leave is for up to 2 years. If the teacher cannot resume their duties after this period they are entitled to sick leave. Any teacher who is injured on duty should also reach out to their local’s NSTU Executive Staff Officer for assistance and interpretation of the article.

NSTU Benefits at a Glance

Provincial Master Life Insurance

A $50,000 term life policy is available to all active Public School Members, PSAANS and APSEA Members. A dependent life benefit of $3,000 for your spouse and $1,500 for each eligible dependent child is also included in this coverage. The premium for this benefit is 100% paid by each Employer, therefore, there is no charge to the member for this coverage. It is very important that you designate a beneficiary and a contingent beneficiary for your Provincial Master Life insurance.

Have a great week, 

Shawn Hanifen

Local President