CAPE has learned that the lump sum payment earned through the last round of collective bargaining has been clawed back for some members who were receiving employment insurance (EI) benefits at the time when they received the lump sum. If you were receiving EI benefits around the time of the collective agreement signing in June 2023 and beyond, there may have been errors made in the payment of your employment insurance benefits related to misinterpretation around the $2500 lump sum amount by Employment and Social Development Canada.
If you think this applies to you, please reach out to CAPE for assistance by contacting JLRO@acep-cape.ca with ‘EI and lump sum’ as the subject line. Our labour relations officers will examine your case and investigate whether it should be pursued for correction.
This situation occurred for some members because it was incorrectly interpreted by Employment and Social Development Canada as being additional income during the period when these members were receiving EI benefits, rather than as for performance of regular duties and responsibilities when they were actively employed and not on leave.
Some members may not have been notified of this situation yet.
If you were receiving EI benefits at the time your collective agreement was ratified in June 2023, or in the months before the lump sum payment was issued in November 2023, you could still be contacted in the future for repayment.
Be sure to review your EI statements, monitor your account, and contact CAPE if you receive the request for repayment.
