Competitive total rewards programs are a critical component of Canadian organizations’ human resources and corporate strategy, according to a new survey by WorldatWork. The survey, which polled 150 Canadian employers in February, found 96 per cent offer drug, dental, life insurance/accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability and employee assistance programs. Additionally, 93 per cent of […]
The coronavirus pandemic could reduce employer health-care costs by as much as four per cent in 2020 as medical care for non-infected patients has declined, according to a new analysis by Willis Towers Watson. The analysis of large, self-funded U.S.-based employers is an update to a similar study conducted in March that projected employer costs […]
In the midst of the most significant socio-economic and health crisis since WWII — and maybe even longer — virtually every aspect of modern society has been affected in some way, and employee benefits programs are no exception. Before the coronavirus pandemic was in full swing in Canada, employers were focused on ensuring employees diagnosed with the […]
Alberta Blue Cross, Green Shield Canada, iA Financial Group and Medavie Blue Cross are the latest insurers to reduce benefits plan premiums during the coronavirus pandemic. For Alberta Blue Cross’ group plans, the changes include a 50 per cent reduction to dental benefits premiums, a 25 per cent reduction to vision care premiums and a 25 per cent […]
Equitable Life Insurance Co. of Canada is offering premium relief for all of its traditional and myFlex group plans for health and dental benefits. Since many health practitioners have closed their offices due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, plan member use of dental benefits and some health benefits has declined. As a result, Equitable Life is applying […]
The Canada Life Assurance Co. is cutting its health insurance premiums for its employer-sponsored benefits plans to support small- and medium-sized businesses facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. “We recognize that many businesses are challenged right now and we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting them however we can,” said Jeff Macoun, president and […]
As U.S. employers look to keep their workers safe and healthy in the face of the global pandemic, they could see their health-care benefits costs jump by as much as seven per cent this year as a result of coronavirus-related testing and treatment, according to an actuarial analysis of self-funded employers by Willis Towers Watson. […]
Employees at steelmaker Ivaco Rolling Mills Ltd. in L’Orignal. Ont. have ratified new collective agreements that include improvements to their wages and benefits. About 400 employees who are members of United Steelworkers locals 7940 and 8794 voted this week to ratify five-year collective agreements. The new contracts include improvements to benefits, including long-term disability, vision […]
Roughly 3,200 Canadian National Railway Co. workers are on strike with outstanding issues including time-off provisions and lifetime caps on certain benefits. The strike, which began at midnight on Nov. 19, has seen conductors, train personnel and yard workers represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference pushing for further bargaining progress on these issues and others, including safety and fatigue. […]
Legal aid workers who are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1949 have signed a tentative agreement that includes an increase in vision care benefits, sick and vacation leave and wages. “This is not just good news for our members, it’s a major victory for our most vulnerable citizens who rely on legal aid services […]