The WTA Sick Bank is a benefit available to all unit members of the WTA, with the exception of long term substitutes. The WTA sick bank will provide up to 165 sick days per disability when a member exhausts his or her accumulated leave and is approved by the WTA Sick Bank Committee. The rules for using the sick bank are fairly simple, but must be followed if the need arises. A summary of how the sick bank works and how to apply is provided here.

The WTA Sick Bank is administered by the WTA Sick Bank Committee. District and building principals can NOT approve days from the sick bank and they should not be asked to do so. A member can only receive days from the sick bank by filing the proper application with the WTA Sick Bank Committee. The application can be obtained from the WTA Offices, by contacting a member of the Sick Bank Committee, or online. Although emergencies can happen that may prevent timely filing of an application, members should make every effort to file applications with the Sick Bank Committee at least 2 weeks before they anticipate needing to use such days, as late filings may result in disrupted or loss of pay. You should also note that any member using the Sick Bank must be unpaid for a five day period before any days can be awarded, but once the unpaid period is satisfied, no further deductions or loss of pay will occur so long as the applicant is approved by the WTA Sick Bank Committee.

Finally, keep in mind that the Sick Bank can only be used for personal illness that prevents a member from being able to perform his or her professional duties. It is a benefit for our members, but unfortunately we can not cover absences that might be due to illness of other family members. If leave is required to care for a family member, your WTA Contract provides specific benefits and options that might be available depending on your situation. If you are uncertain what rights and benefits you have to assist in a particular situation, talk to your WTA Building Representative or other union official for guidance.

Hopefully you will never need to use the WTA Sick Bank. Most of us never will. But in any case, it is a negotiated benefit that provides us all with a little peace of mind and, if needed, a helping hand when it will be most appreciated.