1) Employees who are laid off will receive benefits as is provided for in the Layoff Policy (2 weeks for every year of continuous service to a maximum of 52 weeks) following the last day worked in a lump sum payment. A minimum of 4 weeks pay will be given regardless of years of continuous service. Time worked during the notice period is not deducted from the layoff benefits.
2) For affected employees currently enrolled in health benefits, the College will make a one-time payment of an amount equal to three months of the College contribution of the individual's health insurance plan. This pay is considered income and will be taxed. It can be used to maintain health care coverage through COBRA. This payment will be "grossed up" to reflect deduction of federal income taxes. If an employee is rehired during the three months following the end of their employment, the College's contribution to the cost of the employee's health insurance will be reduced to avoid duplication with the payment to cover the cost of health insurance set forth above.
3) Employees whose hours are reduced 20% or more (e.g., 1.0 FTE goes to .80 FTE or less) may decline the position at reduced hours and instead elect to be laid off. Employees whose hours reduced in any amount are eligible for a healthcare premium adjustment through December 31, 2009. The adjustment is equal to the resulting difference in the individual's current premium costs and the costs the employee would normally incur with that level of hours/FTE/pay. On January 1, 2010, the appropriate health premium costs for elections in effect at that time will be applied. Employees who accept a reduction in hours, who are reassigned to another position of different pay or grade or who are temporary or hired under term appointments are not eligible for benefits under the layoff policy.
4) Employees will not be required to sign a separation agreement in order to receive the benefits outlined above.
5) Employees will be considered "internal" for open positions through December 31, 2009.
6) Employees who are covered by a union contract will receive the benefits available to laid off employees under the contract.
The modified layoff provisions are in effect for those employees notified of a reduction in force impact between February 1, 2009 and August 31, 2009.
