We have been getting numerous inquires about how things work and figured we’d post it for anyone wondering.
I do not have an active EI claim, when do I apply?
Please apply for EI after April 25th, 2025. These next two weeks are being paid as SWW. Your last day worked will be April 25, 2025.
How do we report EI for the upcoming shutdown?
When reporting for the week of April 13th, 2025 and April 20th, 2025, you can report 40 hours and the following earnings if you are being paid Short Work Week (if you have vacation the below numbers might be different):
P/A: $1424.30
PSG: $1434.38
T/L: $1457.90
For the week of April 27th, 2025, you will be laid off and reporting $0, unless you have vacation or bank time for the week.
Do I report that I stopped working for this employer after we finish our two weeks in May?
No, this question is if you quit or were terminated from employment. Answering Yes would flag your report.
How does the recall process work?
Recall rights are tied to the length of service you have. If you have 8 years of service, you will have 8 years of recall rights. If you have 20 years of service, your recall rights will be 20 years. If you take a buy-out, you will give up these recall rights.
How many weeks of SUB/IMP benefits do I get?
You will be eligible for SUB benefits depending on your seniority and once SUB runs out, you will be eligible for IMP benefits. The charts below show your eligibility.
How does EI work with the benefits above.
If you are on an EI claim, once that runs out you will have to reapply and if you are denied, we will need to supply the denial letter to the SUB office. A reminder that denial letters are only good for 52 weeks. If there is other income while on full SUB, you will have to reapply for EI once that original denial letter gets to 52 weeks and this may affect your ability to get a new denial.
Can I go to School while on EI?
You need to be available/looking for work during normal working hours, unless you get permission from the Provincial Government to attend training. This would be tied to a program such as “Better Jobs Ontario”. Taking a night or weekend course would allow you to be available during working hours. Any training programs need to be cleared with Service Canada before you start them.
What health benefits do I have over the layoff?
You will have all your health benefits during the layoff depending on your length of service. This includes dental benefits that we just negotiated.
How long do my benefits last?
Your benefits length depends on length of service. 6-10 years of service and you have 12 months of benefits during a continuous layoff. More than 10 years you will have 24 months of benefits during a continuous layoff. Legal Services is 18 months for everyone.
Do I get DB pension time for this layoff?
For DB members, as long as you have 170 hours working or paid vacation for this year, you will get a pension credit.
Can I contribute to my DC pension for this layoff?
Yes, as long as you are SUB payable, you can contribute. You need to fill out a new DC contributions form for each new layoff. There is a new form this year, so if you have a form from last year, you will need the new one to contribute with the company paying their portion.