School Board Retirees To Lose Benefits

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Both the Greater Essex County District School Board and the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board were informed on April 3rd  by the Ministry of Education that it is not compliant with the Education Act regarding benefit plans being provided to retired employees over the age of 64.

The public board says that some contracts, negotiated as far back as 1966, have provided for the Board to fund benefits for employees beyond the age of 65.

The Education Act states in Section 177(3): “If a person retires from employment with a board before he or she reaches 65 years of age, the board may retain the person in a group established for the purpose of a contract referred to in clause (1)(a) until the person reaches 65 years of age.”

The Board has been instructed by the Ministry of Education to discontinue paying for benefits, beyond the age of 65, to any retired employees or surviving spouses who are currently receiving them. Such payment must cease by August 31, 2014.

Both boards say that they are attempting to personally contact each of the individuals affected to share this information and begin discussions about the development of an alternative plan for benefits.