Will the striking employees lose their health benefits?

VPS employees will be provided with health benefits through the month of September 2018 regardless of the strike.

If VEA members did not return to work by Sept. 10, 2018, compensation would be suspended. If they did not return to work by Sept. 17, 2018, health benefits premium payments for October would be suspended.

State law prohibits districts from making a gift of public funds. The district can be subject to audit findings if it provides compensation and/or benefits to anyone who isn’t working and isn’t taking approved leave. The district applies the same business rules to all staff members. Employees must work 50 percent of the available work days, including the use of approved leave, to receive their monthly premium payments.

If VEA members returned to work by the above dates, compensation and/or health benefits premiums would not be suspended.