The Joint Early Intervention Services (JEIS) program, part of the Collective Agreement and Public Education Benefits Trust (PEBT) for CUPE 3523 members, supports employees who are off work due to illness, injury, or other circumstances for more than six consecutive days. The program aims to help members return to work when ready or assist in transitioning to Long Term Disability (LTD) if necessary. The following outlines the key steps and support provided in chronological order:

• Process after six days off: After six consecutive days of sick leave, an employee’s name is forwarded to Desjardin’s Financial Security and the CUPE 3523 President.
• Contact from Desjardins: A representative from Desjardins contacts the employee for a confidential discussion about their situation and to help with required paperwork.
• Support during illness or injury: JEIS provides assistance to members during illness or injury, and in consultation with their doctor, help them through the process of either returning to work or transitioning to LTD.
• Preparation for LTD: The program helps members complete the necessary paperwork for LTD in advance, ensuring they are prepared if long-term support is needed.
• Assistance during the waiting period: Members receive support for treatment during the waiting period before acceptance into the LTD program.
• Union support: CUPE encourages members to ask questions and provides ongoing assistance to help them return to work when they are ready.

The JEIS process helps to ensure that CUPE 3523 members receive timely support, helping to facilitate either a return to work or a smooth transition to long-term disability benefits.