Welfare Notes - July 2003

Benefit Eligibility
The surge in shipping, and the activation of the LMSR vessels in the past few months has brought in new members to the Sailor’s Union. New members may become eligible for benefits through the SUP Welfare Plan after meeting certain qualifying requirements based upon days of employment.

The initial qualifying period for all benefits under this plan, for employees and their eligible dependents, is 120 days of covered employment within any period of 365 consecutive days. In order for a member to continue Welfare Plan eligibility, they will need to accumulate 60 days of covered employment in the next 365-day period. If you have your 120 days of employment, and have not signed up for medical and dental coverage, please contact the Welfare Plan office. We will supply you with the needed enrollment information.

The SUP health care plan provides the following benefits for members and eligible dependents: death and burial benefits, hospital, medical and surgical benefits, dental benefits, vision care benefits, prescription drug benefits, hearing aid benefits, temporary disability benefits, alcohol/substance abuse benefits and rehabilitation benefits.

The SUP Welfare Plan also administers the training funds and the Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship, as well as the 401(k) Plan and the Money Purchase Pension Plan (MPP). New members may obtain information on the 401(k) and MPP by contacting the Welfare Plan office by phone or e-mail.

Enrollment forms and Columbia Funds investment information for the 401(k) Savings Plan should be on all SUP-contracted vessels. If your ship is getting low on the needed information, have the ship’s delegate contact Rich Reed at the Plan office.

SUP Welfare Plan
Rich Reed, Welfare Plan Representative
450 Harrison Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
E-mail: supwelfarerep@hotmail.com