COVID-19 UPDATE

November 20, 2020

Local 825 Earns Certification from NJ Business and Industry Association

Local 825 has earned the healthy and safe workplace certification from the NJ Business and Industry Association following the successful completion of an NJBIA training course. It teaches

• How to develop a step-by-step Healthy Workplace Environment Guide
• The best cleaning and disinfection procedures
• On-site health screening procedures
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements
• Social distancing strategies
• Protocols for isolating employees who become ill at work

The course adheres to the standards and regulations set by OSHA, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to make sure all employees function in a healthy work environment.

July 20, 2020

Announcement regarding the Local 825 District 1 and 4 Health Fairs

Dear Members:

As always, the health and safety of our members, employees and colleagues is our top priority. Therefore, we are implementing processes to address safety, health and wellness concerns overall. As such, we must consider the manner in which business is conducted for our organization.
We regret to inform you that the September 23rd and October 14th Health Fairs will be cancelled. We hope to reschedule these events later in the year and will keep our members up to date with the most current information. You may also check for updates on our website www.825Funds.org.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Funds Office at 973-671-6800.

Sincerely,
Welfare Fund
Local 825 Welfare Fund

June 1, 2020

Extended Deadlines During COVID-19 Outbreak

To prevent you and your family members from losing rights and benefits under the Welfare Plan during the Covid-19 crisis, certain statutory deadlines have been extended under federal laws. In determining the deadlines, the Welfare Fund will not count the period starting March 1, 2020 until 60 days after the announced end of the Covid-19 emergency. This period is referred to as the “Outbreak Period.” The following deadlines are now extended:

• The 30-day period (or 60-day period, if applicable) to request special enrollment;
• The 60-day election period for COBRA continuation coverage;
• The date for making COBRA premium payments;
• The date to notify the Plan of a qualifying event or determination of disability;
• The date within which a claim may be filed under the Plan’s claims procedure*; and
• The dates within which an appeal of benefits determination may be filed under the Plan’s claims procedure*.

*The extended deadlines for filing a claim or an appeal of benefits determination also apply to a claim for partial disability under the Pension Plan.

For example, assuming that the Covid-19 emergency ended on April 30, 2020, the Outbreak Period begins March 1, 2020 and ends on June 29, 2020 (i.e., the 60th day after the end of the Covid-19 emergency). Therefore, the 60-day election period for COBRA continuation coverage would start on June 29, 2020 and end on August 28, 2020.

Please call the Fund Office at 973-671-6800 should you have any questions regarding the deadline extensions.

April 7, 2020

May 13, June 10 Health Fairs cancelled. Click here for more information.

March 17, 2020

Over the past two weeks we have taken a variety of steps to help ensure the health and safety of our members.

All District meetings through the month of April have been canceled. Check back on this page periodically for updates.

Office visits from members and non-essential guests will be suspended into Local 825 main office in Springfield, all satellite offices and training centers. To ensure our members’ needs are addressed, we will operate as follows:

S.U.B.

Drop off applications and pick up of checks are suspended. Applications may be filed online, mailed to the SUB Department at 65 Springfield Ave, Springfield, NJ 07081 or placed in a secure box located on the first-floor lobby at 65 Springfield Ave., Springfield NJ 07081

Pension and Annuities

Mail applications and other written communications to the Pension/Profit Sharing Department at 65 Springfield Ave, Springfield, NJ 07081 or place them in the secure lock box in the lobby.

Eligibility

Mail payments and other written communications to the Eligibility Department at 65 Springfield Ave, Springfield, NJ 07081 or place in the secure lock box in the lobby.

Welfare

Claim Forms may be mailed to the Claims Department at 65 Springfield Ave, Springfield, NJ 07081 or placed in the secure lock box in the lobby.

Training Centers

Training Centers will cancel all classes and training initially through Friday March 27. A decision will be made by then whether to open or continue the cancelation. Watch here for updates.

Dues

Please pay dues on-line at www.IUOE825.org or call 973-671-6918 or 6917 for assistance.

Dispatch

Please call 973-671-6900 for assistance.

Business Agents

In-person visits at the Union Halls are suspended. Please call 973-671-6900 for assistance.

In addition, all official Funds and Union Hall business correspondence may be placed in the locked drop box in the lobby of 65 Springfield Ave. Springfield, NJ. If you haven't already accessed the Local 825 app, do so now and consult it regularly for news and announcements.

These unprecedented steps have been reached after consultation with our own staff of nurses and other health care professionals. We take these actions to protect our members, visitors and office personnel. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate these challenging circumstances. We encourage you to take all health precautions to protect yourself and your families.

In the meantime, please practice the basic rules of hygiene and prevention that can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov.