Petition Regarding Disability Program Administration

Recent signers:
Eyob Zehaye and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

March 30, 2026

Dear 111 Executive and Bargaining Committee,

Petition Regarding Disability Program Administration

We, the undersigned, submit this petition to express our serious concerns regarding the administration of the Short-Term and Long-Term Disability programs.


It is our collective position that members have been consistently mistreated by both Canada Life and the Trust, and by extension, the Company. We have observed a pattern of unreasonable deadlines for medical documentation, misinterpretation of medical information, and claim denials based on insurer preference rather than fair and legally sound interpretations of physician reports. Members also report difficulty accessing representatives, and decisions from the Trust that appear inconsistent, unaccountable, and at times unjust.

There is growing concern that decisions made by Canada Life are often arbitrary and lack transparency, with similar cases being handled in markedly different ways. Furthermore, as the Trust is perceived to be management-controlled, there is a lack of confidence that claims are being assessed in a fair and unbiased manner. Too many legitimate claims are being denied, resulting in harm to members—physically, financially, and psychologically. This, in turn, delays recovery and creates unnecessary stress, directly 
undermining the intent of the Guaranteed Wage Subsidy (GWS) program.

We must ensure that this program, which represents a significant investment, delivers appropriate and intended outcomes. Every decision should reflect a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and 
employee well-being.

This situation is having a direct and negative impact on morale and confidence in the disability system. More importantly, it raises serious safety concerns. Operators who feel unsupported may feel compelled, due to financial pressure, to return to work before they are medically fit—potentially putting themselves, passengers, and the public at risk.


We are therefore requesting that the Union take action to:

• Pursue a change in the disability management provider, moving away from Canada Life;
• Advocate for the implementation of an independent and unbiased review process;
• Ensure members have access to fair, consistent, and accountable decision-making.

This is not an isolated issue, but an ongoing and widespread concern affecting many members. Real harm is occurring.


We respectfully ask that the Union continue to advocate strongly for the rights, safety, and well-being of all members during the bargaining process. We also urge a comprehensive review of the procedures under which Canada Life and the Trust operate. Consideration should be given to reforms such as the use of an independent medical professional to provide consistent, informed, and objective assessments.

Given the ongoing concerns regarding performance and fairness, we further recommend that Canada Life be replaced by an alternative provider, such as Desjardins or another qualified organization.


Thank in advance for your consideration of this important matter.

225

Recent signers:
Eyob Zehaye and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

March 30, 2026

Dear 111 Executive and Bargaining Committee,

Petition Regarding Disability Program Administration

We, the undersigned, submit this petition to express our serious concerns regarding the administration of the Short-Term and Long-Term Disability programs.


It is our collective position that members have been consistently mistreated by both Canada Life and the Trust, and by extension, the Company. We have observed a pattern of unreasonable deadlines for medical documentation, misinterpretation of medical information, and claim denials based on insurer preference rather than fair and legally sound interpretations of physician reports. Members also report difficulty accessing representatives, and decisions from the Trust that appear inconsistent, unaccountable, and at times unjust.

There is growing concern that decisions made by Canada Life are often arbitrary and lack transparency, with similar cases being handled in markedly different ways. Furthermore, as the Trust is perceived to be management-controlled, there is a lack of confidence that claims are being assessed in a fair and unbiased manner. Too many legitimate claims are being denied, resulting in harm to members—physically, financially, and psychologically. This, in turn, delays recovery and creates unnecessary stress, directly 
undermining the intent of the Guaranteed Wage Subsidy (GWS) program.

We must ensure that this program, which represents a significant investment, delivers appropriate and intended outcomes. Every decision should reflect a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and 
employee well-being.

This situation is having a direct and negative impact on morale and confidence in the disability system. More importantly, it raises serious safety concerns. Operators who feel unsupported may feel compelled, due to financial pressure, to return to work before they are medically fit—potentially putting themselves, passengers, and the public at risk.


We are therefore requesting that the Union take action to:

• Pursue a change in the disability management provider, moving away from Canada Life;
• Advocate for the implementation of an independent and unbiased review process;
• Ensure members have access to fair, consistent, and accountable decision-making.

This is not an isolated issue, but an ongoing and widespread concern affecting many members. Real harm is occurring.


We respectfully ask that the Union continue to advocate strongly for the rights, safety, and well-being of all members during the bargaining process. We also urge a comprehensive review of the procedures under which Canada Life and the Trust operate. Consideration should be given to reforms such as the use of an independent medical professional to provide consistent, informed, and objective assessments.

Given the ongoing concerns regarding performance and fairness, we further recommend that Canada Life be replaced by an alternative provider, such as Desjardins or another qualified organization.


Thank in advance for your consideration of this important matter.

225 people signed this week

225


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