Q: What is the Sick Leave Bank?
A: The BFT Sick Leave Bank is a voluntary, cooperative way to ensure that members who suffer from a major illness or accident can be paid for work days they miss, even if they have used all of their own accumulated sick leave.
When you join you agree to donate one sick leave day per year for three years, and you become eligible for up to 40 days from the Bank if needed. You cannot receive donations or donate days to colleagues in need if you are not a member of the Sick Leave Bank.
Membership in the Sick Leave Bank is both an investment in case of your own future need, and a way to provide practical, meaningful support to fellow members who need it. The Sick Leave Bank is an exercise in mutual aid and strength through unity!
The Sick Leave Bank is an exercise in mutual aid and strength through unity!
Q: How do I join?
A: Open Enrollment in the BFT/BUSD Sick Leave Bank takes palce every year from October 1st - October 31st. You can join by completing the enrollment form you will receive during that time and returning the form to the BFT Office or scan and send it to office@berkeleyteachers.org.
Q: What if I’m not sure if I have already joined?
A: Contact BFT at (510) 549-2307 or send an email to office@berkeleyteachers.org
Q: How many days must I contribute to be a member?
A: New members contribute one day per year for three successive years.
Q: Can I contribute more than 3 days?
A: Yes! You can add days during any open enrollment period.
Q: When can I use the Sick Leave Bank?
A: TBA
Q: How many days can I get from the Sick Leave Bank?
A: You can get 20 days on your first application. You can ask for an extension of 20 more days.
Q: Who decides whether I get the days?
A: There is a three-member Governing Board. The Board will check for medical verification and allocate the days.
Q: How do I pay the days back?
A: After you have returned to work, you repay 2 days per year.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Contact BFT at (510) 549-2307 or president@berkeleyteachers.org.
Updated 6-2024