Sick pay, leave reduced for BJ employes

On January 1, 2009, reduced sick pay and short-term disability polices will go into effect for all full-time independent staffers at the Beacon Journal. This does not yet affect Guild employes, but it will no doubt be sought in current Guild negotiations.

Sick Pay

Staffers will be eligible for five paid sick days every two calendar years. This is a change from the current benefit that provides ten paid sick days per calendar year. Staffers are reminded that sick pay is a benefit to be used only in the event of personal illness, injury or medical treatment. Staffers who exhaust their sick leave may substitute vacation pay or personal days.

Short-term disability

Staffers who qualify for short-term disability (STD) will be eligible for 100% of their salary week one through week 13. Week 14 through week 25, STD will be paid at 85%. This is a change from the current benefit that provides 25 weeks of short-term disability paid at 100%.