[SchoolFinance] Workers Comp "Buy Back" Sick

[Joy Duncan]

We don't do this anymore.  We just let them take their WC check....no sick
time.

On Wed, Jul 19, 2023 at 8:16 AM Field, Stacie <sfield at rsu16.org> wrote:

> We do not allow any of this, it is too messy and the employee always feels
> cheated no matter what you do.
> We do not even allow the use of sick time once injured (WC waiting period)
> while the decision is being processed.
> Once an employee says they are injured on the job, WC takes over and we
> are out.
>
> Stacie Field
> Business Manager
> RSU 16 - Poland, Mechanic Falls, Minot
> 207.998.2727 ext 102
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 19, 2023 at 8:01 AM Sue Lambert <slambert at msad49.org> wrote:
>
>> 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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>
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