Motion Picture Workers Health Benefits Plan

The Motion Picture Workers Health Benefits Plan (formerly known as the Motion Picture Workers Health & Welfare Plan) was established in March 1993 to provide group life and health benefits for eligible I.A.T.S.E. Local 891 members and their dependents. It is funded under the terms of collective agreements negotiated between I.A.T.S.E Local 891 as part of the BC Council of Film Unions, and motion picture and television production companies, represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture & TV Producers (AMPTP) and Canadian Film and Television Production Association - BC Branch.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Motion Picture Workers Health Benefits Plan is governed by seven Trustees who are elected by the membership. All but the Business Representative are elected for life. The Business Representative is a Trustee as a function of office and serves as a link between the Trust and the Union. The Trustees are:

Tom Adair (Chair)
Paul Klassen (Business Representative, Local 891)
Dave Gordon
Julia Neville
Randy Stamhuis (Secretary-Treasurer)
Allan Uglanica
Keith Woods

BENEFITS

The plan is based on an Hour Bank system. Your employers contribute for each hour worked under the collective agreement. These hours are accumulated in your Hour Bank to provide you with coverage when you meet the eligibility requirements.

You are able to maintain your coverage by self-payment during periods of unemployment if your hour bank drops below the required number of hours to provide monthly coverage.

The Plan includes

Basic Medical and hospital insurance (Provincial government plan - insured and paid by the Medical Services Plan of B.C.)
Short Term Disability (STD) benefits for non-occupational disabilities (self-insured by the Trust, paid by the British Columbia Life and Casualty Company),
Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance (insured and paid by the Manufacturer's Life Insurance Company).
Optional life insurance which members may purchase from Manulife for themselves and/or their spouses.
Dental care benefits (self-insured by the Trust, paid by Pacific Blue Cross*)
Extended Health Care (EHC) benefits (self-insured by the Trust, paid by Pacific Blue Cross*)
Emergency Medical Travel Assistance (included in EHC)
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is available to all union members in good standing. The EFAP service is provided through Family Services
Eligible long-term disabled and retired members may participate in a plan covering Dental and EHC

ADMINISTRATION

The Trustees have hired Pacific Blue Cross* to administer the Plan on their behalf. Every month, participating employers contribute to a trust fund on behalf of their bargaining unit employees. The Trustees hold and invest the fund, which is used to pay for benefit coverage and for operating expenses.

NOTICE

The information on this web site is an outline of the benefits provided by the Motion Picture Workers Health Benefits Plan and is not a contract. This Plan only covers those benefits listed above and included in the Plan Summary and the Plan Booklet. For further information about the Plan, contact the Plan Office or Local Union 891.