New and Noteworthy - TEAM Manitoba

March 2020 EVRTIP Cancelled: For members who have not yet heard the news, the March 2020 EVRTIP package that was put on hold due to the pandemic has been officially cancelled. Bell advises that all applications submitted prior to the EVRTIP being put on hold will not be given further consideration. That being said, members can still apply at any time outside of a larger package offering for an individual voluntary departure incentive under our collective agreement Letter of Understanding – Self Identification/Voluntary Departure (“the LOU”). Members wishing to be considered for the EVRTIP payout amount must specify such in their requests. Please contact the TEAM Office if you are thinking of applying under the LOU and have questions or would like some draft language to use in your request. Or if you have already applied, we encourage you to let us know, as we like to track applications and departures, and if your application is approved you may be eligible for a TEAM departure gift.

IFPTE Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Annual Scholarships: Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Annual Scholarships. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers awards four scholarships of $2,500 USD each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members who wish to continue their education beyond high school. Details of the scholarships, eligibility criteria and application form can be found here. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2021.

Claiming Expenses for Working from Home due to COVID-19: As an update to our memo item from last week where we relayed some good news for members working from home due to COVID-19 that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has simplified the process for employees to claim home office expenses and introduced a new temporary flat rate method, we have since received confirmation that Bell will be issuing T2200S forms to eligible employees who opt to use the detailed method instead of the flat rate method to claim their deductions. We continue to seek details of the process employees are to follow to request the required documentation and will provide a further update as we learn more.