Q: Why was the program suspended?
A: DSP was suspended due to the impact of current economic conditions. The Joint Programs provided through the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources are funded based upon the number hours worked by UAW represented GM employees. As a result of layoffs, buyouts, retirements, and shift eliminations, the revenues generated for joint programs have significantly declined and can no longer support DSP.
Q: Isn't DSP a contractual benefit? How can it be suspended?
A: DSP is a contractual program. However, there is language in the collective bargaining agreement that assigns the UAW-GM Executive Board-Joint Activities with the fiduciary responsibility to evaluate the UAW-GM CHR joint programs spending in relation to revenues and make adjustments as necessary. The current financial situation supports suspension of the DSP program.
Q: Is the program suspended for good?
A: At this time, there is no way to know when economic conditions will improve. The UAW-GM Executive Board - Joint Activities will make periodic reviews to determine the status for program
reinstatement.
Q: Is the program
suspended for both active employees and retirees?
A: Yes, the
program suspension applies to all UAW-GM active, retired, and surviving
dependants of active employees.
Q: How will I know
if DPS is reinstated?
A: The UAW-GM Center for Human Resources will
inform your Local Joint Leadership and Joint Training Representatives of any
program updates. They will be responsible to notify employees of any
changes.
Q: When DSP gets
reinstated, will I be reimbursed for my expenses incurred during the timeframe
that DSP was suspended?
A: No, there will be no reimbursement for
any expenses incurred while the program is suspended.
Q: Will DSP
reimburse for expenses incurred prior to January 1, 2009?
A: Yes,
for the period of January 1, through March 31, 2009, DSP will continue to
reimburse up to $1500 of qualifying expenses for eligible dependents whose
classes started prior to January 1, 2009. Any applications received after March
31, 2009 will not be approved.
Q: If I
have already received a voucher from an approved application for a class with a
start date after January 1, 2009, will DSP honor that voucher?
A:
Yes, Employees who currently hold an approved voucher will have those vouchers
honored.