Temporary Reduction of Workforce Form (PDF)
State Unemployment Compensation - SUB Pay Amounts (PDF)

QUESTIONS SURROUNDING TEMPORARY REDUCTION IN WORKFORCE

1. How much is state unemployment?
The amount of the weekly payment depends upon the highest wages the client was paid in any calendar quarter in the base period. The weekly payment may not exceed $390.00.

2. How much is SUB pay?
Article Eight, Section B.2.a contains information concerning the amount and duration of benefits.

3. How does SUB pay and State unemployment work together?
Article Eight, Section B.2.c explains how SUB and state unemployment benefits work together.

4. Can I draw state unemployment if I am drawing a pension from a different company/PBGC, not the same company that I am being laid off from?
If the employee is drawing from Bethlehem, the pension is not considered deductible income; if he receives the pension from ArcelorMittal, it is deductible income and would have to be reported.

5. How is state unemployment taxed?
Ten percent (10%) of the unemployment benefit payment is withheld for federal taxes; there is no withholding provision for state taxes.

6. How is SUB pay taxed?
In accordance with IRS regulations, SUB pay is taxed as income.

7. What happens if I have a vacation week during my layoff, is unemployment offset, do I have to start a new claim, etc.?
There is one new claim per year; if the employee receives vacation pay in the time he/she is receiving Unemployment, he/she will need to report the amount and record it as deductible income and will not be paid for that week IF it is more than the amount received by unemployment.

8. How are hours on layoff going to be reported to SPT?
Hours on layoff will be reported to the SPT through WorkBrain, just as hours worked are reported. For full each week of layoff, forty (40) hours of layoff will be reported to the SPT.

9. How long do I have insurance?
Health insurance will remain in effect through the 8, 12, 18 and/or 24-week period.

10. Can I go to ICD classes?
Yes

11. Give examples how someone could get SUB pay without drawing state unemployment.
Article Eight, Section B.2.c and d explains how SUB and state unemployment benefits work together.

12. If I am off one week, come back to work, and then go back on layoff in the same year, is another waiting week required?
NO, one waiting week per new claim (one new claim per year). You will be required to reopen the same claim.

13. Do I absolutely get to come back after 12 weeks?
Yes, or sooner if the company recalls you with a one-week notice.

14. Do probationary employees have recall rights if they take voluntary layoff?
Probationary employees are not being offered the TRIF at this point in time.

15. Can I come back to work if I need to prior to 8, 12, 18 (or 24) weeks?
Only if the company recalls you with a one-week notice.

16. Will I lose my red circle rate?
No

17. If I take a layoff here, can I take a job elsewhere (like another steel company) and still be able to return later?
As long as earnings are reported to both the State and ArcelorMittal for UC and SUB purposes and you are available to return to work upon recall, you may take a job elsewhere during the TRIF period.

18. Do I have to actively look for work in order to get UC?
No. Because the layoff is temporary and you will be able to provide a return-to-work date (at the end of either a 8, 12, 18- or 24-week layoff), the requirement to actively look for work will be waived.

19. How do I apply for UC?
Employees apply for UC through an internet-based system called UPLINK. The web address to file a claim is as follows: www.in.gov/dwd

20. Can this be turned into a permanent or mandatory layoff from a voluntary one?
No

21. Can I take vacation during early 2009? If so, do I get the $250 bonus on those weeks?
You may take 2009 vacation upon your return from layoff. If your vacation falls during the period for which the vacation bonus is paid, you will receive the $250 bonus payment.

22. Am I guaranteed to get my job back?
You will be recalled to work by the according to the seniority provisions contained in the BLA.

23. What if I miss the registered letter recalling me?
Failure to respond to recall will result in termination of employment. Be sure that the Employee Services Office has your current address at time of layoff, and notify them of the address at which you can be reached you move or leave the area during your time off.

24. If I am on layoff, will I still have access to the mill (badge, stickers)?
Badges and vehicle stickers will be collected at the time of layoff and reissued upon recall.

25. What deductions will be made from SUB?
All taxes, garnishments, child support, will be deducted from SUB. 401k contributions and 401k loan payments as well as BHAA activity fees and Union dues will not be deducted from SUB pay. Verify with Payroll.

26. Do I still get to use my employee discount on things like cars, appliances, etc.?
Yes

Temporary Reduction of Workforce Form (PDF)
State Unemployment Compensation - SUB Pay Amounts (PDF)