Sick Leave FAQ

To access a Sick Leave, have your doctor complete the attached Medical certificate (found in Appendix B of the Contract).

 

For NEW MEDICAL Leaves ONLY:

The Board has initiated a Sick Leave submission form found here:  https://forms.gle/DAFMd5rsBoUqyCvK9

(The Board memo explaining their form is found here)

 

For any communications after the initial submissions:

If you wish to include a Release Officer, please cc them on any direct correspondence to/from the board (outside of medical note submissions).

Your direct contacts at the Board are as follows:

kasandra.cousineau@ycdsb.ca - if  Elementary 

or 

annie.robinson@ycdsb.ca - if Secondary

 

When you send your forms into them, make sure to put in the Subject line one of the following:

your first name last name - OECTA - Updating Medical

or

your first name last name - OECTA - Return to work

If there is a fee to complete the form (now and in future), the board will pay up to $45, and the receipt goes to maria.mabardi@ycdsb.ca

Note:

Please make sure you enter sick days in the YCDSB SFE until you hear back from the Wellness Department.  Please enter them in 5-day blocks.

Planning to leave

You are asked to provide three days of lesson plans and that your marking and evaluations are all up to date and entered (or can be passed on to the Admin/LTO for entry).  You need to provide all comments and anecdotals. Provide your short and long-term plans.

How Sick leave works:

• the first 11 days are paid @ 100% of the salary

• on the 12th day, you automatically start the Short Term Disability (STDLP) Leave Plan - 120 days paid @ 90% of your salary

• if you have any top-up days (check myPortal), they are automatically applied to top up your 90% days to 100% days

Timeline for Sick Days

If you were off the first day of work for the 2023-2024 school year, then your sick days will run out approximately on March 31, 2024

What happens to my pension and benefits on paid Sick/STDLP leave?

No change

What happens after using up all Sick Days and I am still sick?

Well, prior to the expiration of sick days, you need to contact the Unit Office and request a Long Term Disability (LTD) package.  The process requires you to fill out several applications and to have your medical team send supporting medical files to the insurer, OTIP.  This process can be lengthy and can take approximately 15+ weeks.  Please ensure you leave enough time to meet the timelines.

What happens if I no longer have LTD coverage?

Once you reach the end of your sick leave/STLDP days and you are not medically cleared to return to work, then you will be on unpaid medical leave. You will be responsible for making the premium contributions for both the ELHT Benefits and your pension. 

Well before this time, you should investigate and apply for Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits through the government of Canada. This coverage has just been extended to up to 26 weeks with a maximum weekly payout of $650.  Follow this link for more details https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html

Please note: The YCDSB MyPortal sick day usage totals will not be accurate while you are on medical leave.  In order to avoid any disruption to pay cycles for members on leave, the Board's payroll system will reflect that the entire sick day allocation of 120 days paid at 90% has been used.  If a member is medically cleared to return to work before all sick days are utilized, the payroll system will automatically replace all unused days.

How often do I need to submit medical?

The YCDSB’s practice is to request that you submit updated medical every 4 to 6 weeks.  Any medical requested by the Board is to be submitted on the Medical Certificate and will be reimbursed up to $45 with receipt.

Return to Work & Accommodations:

When it is time for me to return to work, what is required?

• Using the medical certificate, submit medical clearing your return and noting any accommodations needed.

• Submit the updated medical to the respective Disability Support Administrator. (Do not cc us on this email)

• A return-to-work meeting shall take place prior to the return (CA ref. Part A - 3.7.3)

• Present at the meeting:

• Returning teacher

• An OECTA release officer

• HR Supervisory Officer (or designate)

• This meeting needs to occur within ten weekdays of receiving the medical.

How does my doctor indicate that I am cleared to return to work and/or need accommodations?

Using the Medical Certificate (found in Appendix B of the Contract), make sure they complete all portions of the certificate.  Make sure to have the doctor carefully review Parts 3 & 4 and note any medical limitations.

The Board’s Disability Personnel will determine suitable return to work or accommodation plans based on the medical provided in consultation with you, the member, and the Unit representation.

Boards will accommodate limitations and restrictions consistent with their duty to accommodate. (3.7.5)

Duty to Accommodate - Ontario Human Rights Commission