Skip to content

Life Insurance Program

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED FAQ DOCUMENT

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does the insurance cost?

A: The insurance plan covers FFAW members who are in good standing. Members in good standing receive a union card that covers them from August 1 to July 31 of the next year. Being a member in good standing is based upon the payment of union dues from the previous year. Thus, union cards and Sunlife insurance coverage for Aug 1/2021 to July 31/2022 are based upon the payment of union dues for the 2020 season.

Q: What do I have as proof of my coverage?

A: Your union card is proof of your insurance. Your insurance coverage is only valid until July 31, 2022. After this date, if you have not paid your dues for the 2020 year you will not be covered.

Q: Am I covered only while working or fishing?

A: No. Coverage is for a period of one year, from August 1 to July 31 each year.

Q: What happens if I don’t identify a beneficiary?

A: If you do not identify a beneficiary, the insurance benefit will go to your estate. This may complicate matters and make it difficult for your beneficiary(ies) to receive the money in the event of your death. Protect your loved ones by filling out the beneficiary form.

Q: My circumstances have changed since I last sent in my beneficiary form (for example: married or divorced)

A: If this is the case, make sure you send in a new beneficiary form. The last beneficiary form on file will be the one used.

Q: Am I still covered once I retire, am no longer actively fishing, or am no longer employed with the company I currently work for?

A: No. The insurance is only for active, card-carrying members of the FFAW and does not cover members who are no longer active or no longer hold seniority status within the union.

Q: When does insurance coverage commence for new members on the bona-fide/seniority lists?

A: For new members, there is a one year wait period in order to qualify for insurance coverage. For new members in the current year, coverage will begin effective August 1st of the following year through to July 31st of the year after, provided the member has minimum dues payment on file and has received a union card.

Q: Is there an age limit?

A: Yes. Coverage discontinues when a member turns 70 years old. This is a requirement of the insurance provider.

Q: Are prescriptions, hospital stays, therapy sessions, etc. covered?

A: No. This is strictly a life/accidental death/dismemberment insurance policy. There is a cash benefit payable for loss of limbs, loss of hearing, loss of sight, etc. due to accidents only

For questions or to request a new beneficiary form, please contact Danielle at 576-7276 or at doake@ffaw.ca.

Dr. Erin Carruthers

Dr. Erin Carruthers is the Science Director and Senior Fisheries Scientist with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), which is the labour union that represents the owner-operator fleet in Newfoundland and Labrador. The FFAW is committed to research and management that supports healthy oceans, fisheries, and coastal communities. Dr. Carruthers received her Ph. D. in Biology from Memorial University in 2011 followed by a postdoctoral fellowship with the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research. Before coming to Newfoundland, Erin worked as a Research Biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the St. Andrews Biological Station. Her current research program is co-constructed with fish harvesters and includes research on coastal fishing communities, collaborative longline and trap surveys, and best practices for the avoidance, handling and release of unwanted catch.