L.A. Charter School Workers Face Choice on Retiree Health Benefits
More than 700 employees at charter schools in Los Angeles stand to lose their lifetime retiree health benefits because Los Angeles Unified School District is taking steps to reduce the number of people eligible for its retiree benefits, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Charter schools typically manage their own benefits, but some schools are affiliated with the LAUSD teachers' union and have maintained the benefits package that unionized school workers receive through the school district. The charters have paid premiums for current and retired workers.
Earlier this month, LAUSD officials cited concerns about long-term retiree benefit costs in their decision to stop extending the benefits to charter school employees. Non-teaching staff have until tomorrow to find jobs at traditional LAUSD schools or lose the retiree benefits package. Teaching personnel have until May 15.
Charter school personnel who are eligible for retirement can take that option and receive the LAUSD benefits package.
LAUSD expects most eligible workers to retire (Blume, Los Angeles Times, 4/30). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.