[SchoolFinance] Workers Comp "Buy Back" Sick

[Sue Lambert]

Do any of you allow staff to "buy back" or use sick time to make up the
difference in their workers comp check and their normal full check? I
realize that workers comp is tax exempt for fed/state/mdc/FICA so the fact
that the check is 2/3 of their normal amount isn't really 1/3 short when
you take into account all of the taxes. However, our bargaining contract
for support staff gives them the option to use sick time to make up the
difference.

The complication we have run into is that MEMIC says that if we pay them
sick time (or any other leave time) that MEMIC can do an offset to the
check that they are paying the employee. If this is so, I don't see how the
employee option to buy back sick time, will actually do anything.

The way the buyback worked years ago was that the employee would choose up
front: take only the WC check or using sick time & handing in their check.
If choosing the WC check, the check went to them and we did not pay them.
If they wanted to use sick time in order to get more of a check, they would
use their sick leave while they were out and the WC check would have to be
signed over to us and we would use that WC check amount to buy back some
sick time for them. They would basically get about 2/3 of their sick time
back.

Do any of you have a similar practice or process and how do you make it
work with the workers comp company so that they don't offset or reduce the
employee's check when they use their own sick time?



~Sue
Sue Lambert
MSAD #49
Benefits Specialist
8 School St
Fairfield,  ME 04937
207-453-4200 x3109
207-453-0110 FAX
For in-district direct dial: 3109
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