Union Benefits
Click or tap any of the tabs below to see a general overview of the benefits we offer full-time union employees. More detailed information about our benefits package for union employees is provided in the Common Questions section further down on the Careers web page.
Health Plan | Details |
---|---|
Cigna (high deductible, basic or moderate plan) | You can choose any health care provider in the Cigna Open Access Plus network and HMO plan. |
KelseyCare | You can choose any Kelsey-Seybold doctor or allied health professional in the Houston area. |
KelseyCare Advantage | Must have Medicare Part A & B to enroll (Active or Retiree) |
Aetna Medicare Advantage | Must have Medicare Part A & B to enroll (Active or Retiree) |
All medical plans include prescription drug coverage through Cigna.
You have the option to pick up prescriptions in-person or receive them via U.S. mail.
Copays vary by plan and whether the drug is generic, preferred brand, non-preferred brand or specialty.
METRO's dental plan is provided by Cigna.
You have the option of selecting a DHMO or PPO plan.
DHMO is in-network only. PPO is in- and out-of-network.
METRO's vision plan is provided by Davis Vision.
It covers routine eye exams and helps you pay for glasses or contact lenses.
You can choose an in-network or out-of-network plan. You must have medical benefits to elect this benefit.
You can accumulate points by participating in various wellness activities. Those points can earn you a discount on your monthly medical rates and additional paid time off.
Wellness activities include:
- Various forms of physical activity
- Preventive health screenings
- Online health coaching
Wellness programs vary from year to year.
Paid time off (PTO) is determined as follows (certain restrictions and stipulations apply):
Amount of PTO | Tenure | Details |
---|---|---|
Five days | After six months of continuous service | These five days don't accrue. They can only be used between six months and one year of continuous service. |
One week | After one year of continuous service | Must be taken in a one-week increment* |
Two weeks | If employee had 12 months or more of continuous service on the preceding December 31 | Must be taken in one-week increments* |
Three weeks | If employee had five years or more of continuous active service on the preceding December 31 | Must be taken in one-week increments* |
Four weeks | If employee had eight years or more of continuous service on the preceding December 31 | Up to one week of PTO may be taken in single day increments. |
Five weeks | If employee had 15 years or more of continuous service on the preceding December 31 | Up to one week of PTO may be taken in single day increments. |
*A vacation week consists of seven consecutive days including an employee's day off.
Paid time off (PTO) is also made up of the following per calendar year:
- Nine designated holidays
- Eight hours of birthday pay
- Eight hours of anniversary date pay
Employee days and paid holidays may not be carried over from year to year.
Full-time union employees who have completed at least six months of employment with METRO are also eligible to receive paid sick days, if needed.
For full-time union employees hired after Oct. 1, 2012, METRO offers both of the following:
- 457(b) deferred compensation plan (including an after-tax Roth 457 option)
- 401(a) defined contribution plan
Both are administered by Empower Retirement and as an employee, you'll have a login and password to access your account online.
METRO automatically contributes 2% of your annual salary to your 401(a).
Additionally, if you choose to contribute money to your 457(b) deferred compensation plan, METRO will match your contribution up to 4% and put it in your 401(a). That money will not appear on your paycheck; it's deposited directly in your 401(a) retirement plan.
Example for an employee with an annual salary of $36,000:
Employee Contribution to 457(b) | METRO Match | Initial 401(a) Contribution by METRO | Total 401(a) Contribution by METRO |
---|---|---|---|
1% of annual salary ($360) | $360 | 2% of annual salary ($720) | $1,080 |
2% of annual salary ($720) | $720 | 2% of annual salary ($720) | $1,440 |
3% of annual salary ($1,080) | $1,080 | 2% of annual salary ($720) | $1,800 |
4% of annual salary ($1,440) | $1,440 | 2% of annual salary ($720) | $2,160 |
5% of annual salary ($1,800)* | $1,440 | 2% of annual salary ($720) | $2,160 |
* The 5% contribution example is meant to show that for any employee contribution to the 457(b) that exceeds 4%, the other columns/fields remain the same. So, for an employee with an annual salary of $36,000, the maximum total annual contribution METRO will make to that employee's 401(a) is $2,160.
Other benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
Type | Benefit Offered | Details |
---|---|---|
Child Care Assistance | Monthly benefit of $200. This benefit is after-tax and will appear on your W-2 tax form at the end of the year. | To receive the benefit, employees must register with the TOOTRiS child care technology platform which connects parents and providers. If you currently use a child care facility that isn't on the TOOTRiS platform, TOOTRiS will work with that facility to get them signed up. |
Short-Term Disability | METRO offers short-term disability - you must be enrolled in the medical to participate in this benefit. | Administered by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company |
Life and AD&D Insurance | Basic insurance coverage is provided at no cost to full-time, salaried employees. Voluntary coverage can be added for an extra cost. | Administered by Sun Life Financial |
Tuition Reimbursement | Up to $5,000 per calendar year | To be eligible, an employee needs to complete six months of employment with METRO prior to the start of the course, degree or certification. |