Alliance Dislocated Worker Options
 

Facing involuntary job termination can be a bewildering experience. The Alliance provides support to dislocated workers through programs designed to help increase employment options.

Alliance benefits for dislocated workers include:

• Extended eligibility for all Alliance programs -- Participants are eligible for 1 year from their off-payroll-date, plus the number of weeks they are eligible to receive severance. For example: If you receive 11 weeks of severance, you are eligible to participate in Alliance programs for one year (52 weeks) plus 11 weeks. This means you would have 63 weeks of eligibility for Local Group Training programs, Distance Learning Programs and Alliance PPT (at the maximum tuition rate).
• Local Group Training -- Learning opportunities tailored for your work site.
• Distance Learning Programs -- Education and training that participants access individually.  
• Increased funding for Alliance Pre-Paid Tuition (PPT) – Up to $3,250 per calendar year to fund training at accredited or approved educational institutions.
• Funds for Alliance Distribution (FAD/FAED) – Up to $2,500 of additional funding for the education, training and transition related expenses of dislocated workers (SEE BELOW).

NOTE:  For those eligible for FAD and laid off from AT&T since December 11, 2005, a maximum of $1,000 may be used for approved computer equipment, tools, supplies and other equipment (subject to the normal guidelines). 

What is the “Funds for Alliance Distribution (FAD/FAED)” Program?
 

FAD (Funds for Alliance Distribution) is the name of the program at AT&T and Avaya. FAED (Funds for Alliance/ ETOP Distribution) is the program name at Alcatel-Lucent. The programs provide up to $2,500 to Alliance-eligible workers for expenses incurred in pursuit of re-employment. FAD/FAED programs for dislocated workers are administered by The Alliance on behalf of Alliance stakeholder companies and unions.  The following is a general description of the programs:

Be sure to verify the specifics of your company’s program by contacting The Alliance FAD/FAED program administrator at 800-323-3436.

You are eligible for FAD/FAED funding for two years following the date of your separation from the company. (All expenses/training must be incurred and/or begin before your eligibility expires.)  FAD/FAED provides up to $2,500 for Covered Expenses such as:

• Education and training expenses such as books, tools, computers and equipment (tools, equipment and computer purchases are limited to $1,000 for AT&T and Alcatel-Lucent participants).

• Relocation expenses including the moving of household goods as well as home disposal charges such as inspections, legal fees, and title fees.

• Outplacement Services including the fees charged by outplacement agencies.

You should sign a FAD/FAED Agreement Form before your separation date to participate in FAD/FAED. You may complete and submit the form online by clicking here. You can get a printed version from your local Alliance representative, the FAD/FAED Program administrator (800-323-3436) or by clicking here. On the website you will also find the FAD/FAED Voucher form for prepayment or reimbursement of covered expenses. 

Important: If you elect to participate in your company’s Transition Option Program (ATTOP/LCTOP/ACTOP) or another company termination program you may become ineligible for FAD/FAED (Eligibility Matrix). For assistance in determining which termination option is best for you, please contact your local union representatives.

FAD/FAED Eligibility Checklist
 

You are eligible for FAD/FAED if all of the following statements apply to you:

1. Before lay-off, I was a full or part-time worker who was eligible for Alliance services (Eligibility Matrix).
2. I have been involuntarily terminated due to force adjustment procedures.
3. I have at least one year of net credited service.
4. I submitted a signed FAD/FAED Agreement Form to The Alliance prior to my separation date.
5. I have not selected a termination option that would make me ineligible for FAD/FAED (such as VTP, ECO, LCTOP or ATTOP).

FAD/FAED Facts & FAQs
 

When does eligibility begin and end?

• An employee becomes eligible for FAD/FAED upon their date of separation due to force adjustment.  A participant remains eligible for two years from the date of separation or until the $2,500 fund limit has been expended -- whichever comes first -- or until the participant is rehired by an Alliance stakeholder company.

How do I apply?

• Submit a signed FAD/FAED Agreement Form prior to your separation date.

• Submit a FAD/FAED Voucher Form and required documentation to receive pre-payment and/or reimbursement. This procedure may be repeated as expenses arise until the time or funding limits have been reached.

Are allowable expenses pre-paid or reimbursed?

• Tuition and other fees related to education or training can be pre-paid if the FAD/FAED Voucher Form is submitted at least four (4) weeks prior to the start of classes. Payment(s) will be made directly to the school or training provider.

• For participants who choose to use their FAD/FAED benefit to move their household goods, two national carriers (Atlas/Nelson Westerberg and U-Haul) will accept a pre-payment voucher from The Alliance.  (If you wish to use this pre-payment voucher option, please call our staff for details on how to proceed.)  For all other moving companies, reimbursement can only be made to the participant.  Allowable moving expenses must be related to a relocation for a new job that is a distance of 50 miles or greater.  Actual payment will be made once the moving company provides The Alliance with written proof that the move has taken place.  Payment will be made directly to the moving company or reimbursed to the participant upon submission of receipts.

      What training expenses are covered?

• Books, tools, equipment, uniforms, etc. will be considered training/education expenses if they are required by the training/education institution for all students. The participant will be required to submit documentation from the training/education institution and original receipts for reimbursement.  Please note that tools, equipment, uniforms and other supplies as well as computer purchases are limited to $1,000 for AT&T and Alcatel-Lucent participants.

How will FAD/FAED be coordinated with Alliance PPT funding?

• Each FAD/FAED Voucher Form submitted for training or education expenses will be reviewed to assure that the applicant is maximizing his/her benefits under both programs.  FAD/FAED staff will review such issues as type of expense; length of Alliance and/or FAD/FAED eligibility; Alliance PPT eligibility; length of training; etc.

 Can outplacement, relocation, training or education expenses incurred prior to termination be paid by FAD/FAED?

• No.

Is FAD/FAED considered taxable income?

• Consult a tax advisor regarding individual circumstances.

Still Have Questions?

• For more information, contact your local joint labor/management committee or The Alliance administrator for this program at 800-323-3436.

Alliance Headquarters, 80 Cottontail Lane - Suite 320, Somerset NJ, 08873

800-323-3436
webmaster@employeegrowth.com