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(Frequently Asked Questions) |
On this page, we will try to answer questions brought to us by fellow brothers and sisters pertaining to benefits and similar issues that affect all of us. Please feel free to send us questions that you think may benefit others.
| State Holidays | VA Benefit Eligibility |
| Pension Rates | Pension Projections |
| 25-Year Personal Day | Life Insurance Payments While On LOA |
Q- Do we receive the Rhode Island State holidays, V. J. Day, Columbus Day, and Veteran's Day?
A- No. Effective March 2001, we no longer receive V. J. Day, Columbus Day, and Veteran's Day as scheduled holidays, even though we are working in Rhode Island. We do, however, receive "Holiday Pay" of time-and-a-half for working on these days for the first eight hours, then double-time after that. Patriot's day is a Massachusetts holiday that we received prior to March 2001, but it is no longer our scheduled holiday and we do not receive any compensation for working on this day in Rhode Island. The above mentioned holidays were given up in 2001 in favor of the days between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Q- What is the current amount of our pension?
A-The minimum pension benefits for the years 2009 through March 2012 are as follows:
| $47 |
| Note: (This number remains the same throughout the duration of our contract ending March 3, 2012.) |
Q- When can I use the personal day that I receive after 25 years of service.
A- Upon 25 years of continuous service, employees receive their personal days on their 25th anniversary and every January 1 thereafter.
Q- I am approaching retirement age and want to know how I can weigh the benefits of waiting until the age of 62 to retire, versus front loading the pension and leaving at 60?
A- This is a question everyone must investigate for themselves, but be sure to get the information that you need by calling human resources and asking for a "Pension Projection". With this, you can pick a couple of projected retirement dates and they will supply you with the associated pension figures so you can make an educated decision.
Q- I am purchasing the optional life insurance from the company. If I go on LOA and eventually expire, will my family get the full optional death benefit even though I wasn't getting a paycheck from which to deduct the premiums.
A- You should be covered if you follow the rules. Any time you go on LOA, the best defense to avoid problems is to contact the benefits center at 1-800-358-1231. In this case, they should inform you how to sign up for the optional coverage premium waver, which you may be eligible for after a waiting period of three to six months. During the waiting period you will be billed for the premiums by the Raytheon Benefits Center.
Q- I was in the military and I'm not sure what Veterans Benefits I am eligible for. Where can I get information?
A- Anyone with questions about their eligibility for VA Benefits can call 1-800-827-1000. Information can also be found on-line at www.va.gov .
