Category Archives: Uncategorized
Benefits Comparison Charts and Contribution %
This file has the contribution percentages based on salary for those who opt to take the new NJEHP plan. Download
This is a list of prescription drugs that are excluded and their preferred alternatives on the NJEHP plan. Download
This file has the current Ch. 78 Contribution percentages based on premiums for those who choose NOT to switch into the newly created NJEHP and opt instead to stay with any of our preexisting plans.Download
Link to open enrollment site from Conner, Strong and Buckelew.
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year
2019-2022 contract signed!
Thanks to all of your hard work our new contract is signed! Click here to view!
Welcome to our new members!
Executive Board Minutes
Public copies of the GREA executive board meetings will be available using the menu above. Link here.
Notes on Benefits Presentation
Changes to Family Leave starting July 2020
Hi all! Just passing along the good news from the recent expansion of family leave in New Jersey!
https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562019/approved/20190219a.shtml
- Doubling the number of weeks for Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Employees can take up to 12 consecutive weeks of paid family leave during any 12-month period, beginning in July 2020. Currently, employees are only able to take up to 6 weeks of FLI in a 12-month period.
- Increasing the weekly benefit: Individuals can now receive 85 percent of their weekly wage, with the maximum possible benefit going up to 70 percent of the statewide average weekly wage. Using data from this year, the maximum possible benefit would go up from $650 a week to $860 a week under this law.
- Increasing intermittent leave from 42 days to 56 days: Workers will be able to take up to 56 days of intermittent leave within a 12-month period, beginning in July 2020.
- Anti-retaliation provisions: Employers with over 30 employees will be barred from retaliating or discriminating against an employee because they took family leave.
- Expanding individuals eligible to take paid family leave: The newly signed legislation expands paid family leave to include caring for siblings, in-laws, grandparents, grandchildren, other blood relatives, and any other individuals who can be shown to have the equivalent of a family relationship.
Negotiations Update
On Wednesday, October 16th, the negotiations team met with Jim McGuire (our NJEA regional rep) and Denise Policastro (our regional salary guide specialist) to go over best practices, learn about trends, and discuss our local guides/scattergrams. The meeting was productive and encouraging. We will be supported throughout the negotiations process by both Jim and Denise.
We expect to begin meeting with the BOE in the near future and will send updates throughout the year.
Support proposed Chapter 78 relief bill!
Follow this link to read more and to contact your senator!
Essentially, the proposed bill would tie our benefits contributions to our salaries rather than the premiums for the coverage. NJEA’s analysis of the bill indicates it would decrease the financial burden on most members if it were to pass.
The link above has more information as well as a quick form that automatically finds your Senator and allows you to send them a pre-written letter requesting they cosponsor the bill.
Please take the time to consider this important action.
GREA 