Carrier severance package finalized
Carrier officials and union representatives agreed on a severance package Monday that will give workers one week of pay for every year of employment.
Another major perk is Carrier employees will receive free medical and dental insurance for three months after their layoff. If needed, employees may continue the same coverage for an additional three months and pay the same premiums that are currently being deducted from their paychecks. After that six-month period, laid off employees can use COBRA coverage for 18 months.
Carrier spokesperson Nancy Lintner said the company had no comment on the severance package. Union representatives were not available for comment at the union hall yesterday.
The severance package also says laid off employees can further their education or receive technical training, with Carrier paying some, or all, of the expense.
“In accordance with the UTC Scholars Program, the company will pay for course work toward an accredited degree program for four years from the date of layoff,” the severance agreement reads. “The company will reimburse employees for up to $1,500 of books and tuition upon completion of a vocational technical certification program at an accredited institution.”
Carrier employees will not be given a lump-sum bonus as part of the severance package. Severance checks will be paid in weekly increments and based on a 40-hour work week.