SASMI Rolls Out New Sick Leave Benefit Effective July 1

SASMI notified SMACNA on July 22 that it has added an annual five-day sick leave benefit for eligible participants effective July 1, to cover short-term illness, family illness and medical care that causes participants to be unable to work for a short period of time. The maximum benefit is five days per calendar year and no more than three consecutive days of sick leave benefit can be taken at any one time. The benefit is paid based on the straight time rate only.   To be eligible, the employee:

• must be at work on the day before and after the sick leave days;
• must not have received SASMI unemployment or underemployment benefits for the same month in which sick leave days are being used;
• must meet initial eligibility requirements for benefits and not have received benefits in excess of 100% of contributions, or have lost eligibility; and
• must submit an application which can be found on SASMI’s website.

Eligibility for the benefit ceases with loss of participation or loss of qualification per the plan documents. Like other wage replacement benefits, the sick leave benefit will be taken into consideration in calculating severance benefits. 

SASMI sent notification to all members and local unions. For more information, visit the SASMI Website at Home - SASMI Trust Fund.