NYSUT continues to press state lawmakers to allocate New York's share of the $26 billion federal jobs bill to save education jobs. As of presstime, the Legislature was expected to return to Albany for a special session Nov. 29, but it was unclear whether lawmakers would vote to disburse the $2.2 billion in federal funding the state received.
The loss of a job is devastating, and NYSUT is dedicated to providing support for members who find themselves unemployed.
The union's Handbook for Laid-Off and Retrenched Employees includes information about unemployment insurance, coping with emotional stress and maintaining health insurance. It's posted at www.nysut.org.
Union membership is continued free for those who are laid off, ensuring eligibility for NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs and NYSUT Social Services.
NYSUT's Career Center at www.nysut.org offers education job listings across the state. The center includes advice for midcareer individuals making a fresh start, an AFL-CIO link to help members who are out of work, and support from NYSUT Member Benefits, including:
The annual fee for the Member Benefits-endorsed Legal Service Plan is waived for laid-off members.
Members facing layoff who need to reduce their Marsh U.S. Consumer term life insurance coverage may reinstate up to $200,000 of coverage within 12 months with no medical underwriting.
Laid-off members may be eligible for savings on prescriptions.
Stay in contact with your local union president, your best resource on what your contract provides.