Members covered by a collective bargaining agreement that includes the International's Retirement Savings Plan Annuity receive hourly employer contributions to the plan. Investment decisions are made by the fund trustees, and retirement benefits are based on the contribution rate plus interest earned by the fund. Members may accept or decline participation, and determine the amount of their pre-tax contribution and how it is invested. Loans and withdrawals are permitted for major purchases such as homes or college tuition. The International Health Fund offers participating locals access to quality medical, hospital and other health benefits that can be offered to members at competitive rates.
Locals choose from three health and welfare plans and a menu of supplemental benefits.
Plans are selected by members and locals according to contributions that have been negotiated in the local's collective bargaining agreement. A member in a participating local becomes eligible for benefits on the first day of the second month following the month in which the member completes 300 hours of work. IHF also offers a vacation fund benefit that is available to both Canadian and US locals. Members receive the balance of money remaining in the account at the end of each year. BACFlex BACFlex gives members access to benefits they may not receive through their local's health and welfare plan, and gives them the flexibility to choose the benefits they need when they need them.