Canadian Union Podcast for Employees' cover art

Canadian Union Podcast for Employees'

Canadian Union Podcast for Employees'

By: Scott Cush - City of Calgary Employee/CUPE 37 Past Executive
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About this listen

 A podcast mostly about CUPE Local 37 members information. A Calgary Local representing Outside workers for the City of Calgary. We will also talk about Provincial, National, Labour Congress, and other union topics. Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • COVID Shot Covered by Greenshield Level 2.

    COVID Shot Covered by Greenshield Level 2.
    Oct 29 2025
    Only if you want it. Dependents welcome as well. It is unclear if you will have to get a perscription, but my information is that if you have level 2 coverage you will be able to get the covid booster or shot covered for resonable and customary charges. This is just another area that your benefits are making it easier to get the things the UCP won't cover. Changes to your MEBAC Benefit Plan in 2026 You told us you wanted more flexibility in your wellness options, and we listened! The City and the Municipal Employees Benefit Association of Calgary (MEBAC) and are excited to share some significant updates to your benefit plan coming in 2026 and 2027. Changes were made to the Extended Health Care (EHC) Level 2, Dental Level 2 and 3, and effective January 1, 2026, we're introducing a new, more flexible wellness account benefit. These changes come at an important time, as MEBAC members will have the opportunity to review and adjust their benefit levels during the enrolment window from November 17 to December 7. Highlights of Benefit Changes Effective January 1, 2026 Over the years, employees have told us that wellness looks different for everyone. Some of you told us that services you needed for wellness weren't covered; others said they wanted more flexibility in where and how you exercised. We listened. Up until now, you have had a $300 Health Spending Account (HSA) and could also apply for $200-$250 credit towards annual memberships at partner or City facilities through the Active Living Program. While these programs certainly provided value, they had limits as two separate accounts. Starting January 1, 2026, we're combining these into one streamlined, more impactful benefit: a $900 Wellness Account. This is an improved version of what you already had, designed to give you greater flexibility. You will now be able to choose how to allocate your funds between a: • Health Spending Account (HSA): This is non-taxable, covering medical/dental costs not included in your regular plan. • Personal Wellness Account: This is taxable, covering wellness related expenses. For more details on what qualifies under your Personal Wellness Account and how to allocate the $900, click here. Important: you must decide how to split the funds in your wellness account by December 7, 2025 or the full amount will become part of your Health Spending Account. Please refer to frequently asked questions on the new wellness account here. Extended Health Care - Level 2 Updates • Custom made foot orthotics -The annual maximum has doubled, increasing from $200 to $400 per person per calendar year. • Hearing aids (Audio) - Coverage has increased from $600 to $1,500 per person every five years. In addition, cochlear implants are now included under audio benefits. • Medical items - Includes a coverage limit of $130 every 12 months. Cold Therapy Machines, often used to reduce inflammation, are now eligible. Dental Benefits - Level 2 and 3 Updates • Medical mouth guards (bruxism appliances) are now included under Major Services and subject to co-insurance and annual maximums. Highlights of Benefit Changes Effective January 1, 2027 Starting in 2027, employees can also look forward to improved vision and dental coverage. Extended Health Care - Vision Coverage • The vision care maximum will increase from $400 to $500 per person. • Coverage remains every 24 consecutive months, or every 12 months for children aged 13 and under. Dental - Annual Maximums • Level 2 Basic and Major Services combined maximum will increase from $1,500 to $1,750 per person, per calendar year. • Level 3 Basic and Major Services combined maximum will increase from $1,750 to $2,000 per person, per calendar year. The City and MEBAC negotiate benefit agreements for City employees. "MEBAC is an important advocate for employee benefits," says Mike Mahar, President of MEBAC. I'm proud of what we collectively accomplished to bring meaningful improvements to members over the next few years." Chris Arthurs, General Manager of People, Innovation and Collaboration Services said, "These improvements are about getting the right benefits to support the health and wellbeing of our people. Working with MEBAC ensures that employees' voices are heard, and together we continue to modernize our benefits plan to reflect their evolving needs." We hope you agree that these changes reflect The City's ongoing commitment to provide a modern, flexible, and inclusive benefits plan that supports you, and if applicable, your family's needs. Robust benefit plans are an important way to support your physical and mental wellbeing. More information will be found in the Benefit Enrolment Brochure which will be emailed to you on November 17. Please review these so you can decide whether you will change your benefit level for 2026 and allocate funds within your wellness account. Changes may only be made during the enrolment window from November 17 to December 7, 2025. [Side panel] ...
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    10 mins
  • 2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Thursday October 10, 2025 Final Day - My thoughts.

    2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Thursday October 10, 2025 Final Day - My thoughts.
    Oct 14 2025

    The final day of Convention. My thoughts.

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    12 mins
  • 2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Thursday October 9, 2025

    2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Thursday October 9, 2025
    Oct 10 2025

    Lots of business was done, and lots of emotions were had. CUPE convention was a great experience even from my desk in Alberta as I watched it online.

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    14 mins
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