Prior to September 1, 2014, an Employee of an Employer who had Contributions made to the Pension Fund on his behalf became a Member of the Plan as of the first day for which Contributions were made to the Pension Fund on his behalf. This membership date also established the commencement date of the new Period of Participation.

On and after September 1, 2014, an Employee who is not currently in the middle of an active Period of Participation and has Contributions made to the Pension Fund on his behalf, shall become a Member of the Plan once the Employee's total Hours reported over any three (3) consecutive months equals 300 or more, in which case the Employee's membership date and new Period of Participation shall both commence on the 1st of January of the year encompassing the start of the three-month qualifying period.

A disability pension is not one of the provisions in this Plan. If you are totally disabled, a member of the union and in receipt of disability benefits from the Canada Pension Plan, you may be eligible to accumulate additional service credits up to a maximum of 350 hours per calendar year.

The normal retirement pension begins on the later of the month you reach age 65 or the month following the date you last worked.

The early retirement pension begins on the later of the month following the month you reach age 53, the month following receipt of your written application or the month following the date you last worked.

Your application must be filed with FAS at least one month in advance of and no earlier than 90 days before your expected retirement date. The Retirement Application is available under "Forms and Documents". If you have any questions you can contact FAS directly using the toll-free telephone number 1-800-770-2998 or by e-mail at questions@fasadmin.com.

Once you complete the application and have attached the required proof of age documents for both yourself and your spouse (if needed) and any additional information, you should sign the application and return it to FAS. Only original signatures will be accepted. Proof of age documents can be photocopies but must meet the requirements, as set out on the "Acceptable Proof of Age Documents" available under "Forms & Documents" or as mailed to you in your retirement package. If you do not have a spouse, you must include a Statutory Declaration of Marital Status form with your application. A spousal waiver form must be signed and included with your application if you have a spouse and he or she has waived their right to receive the joint and survivor benefit.

FAS will acknowledge their receipt of your application, provide you with the retirement options that are available to you and will notify you if they require any additional information.

No, retirement is completely voluntary. You may continue to work after age 65, however, your pension by law must start no later than December 1st of the year in which you have your 71st birthday. If you work past age 71, you will not earn any additional pension service.

No, the pension plan contains provisions prohibiting any assignment, sale or attachment of this pension benefit. It cannot be used as security for a loan.

In the two circumstances noted below, a Court Order or Matrimonial Property Order or Agreement may be issued to assign or attach your pension entitlement.

The Employment Pension Plans Act contains specific rules for dividing pensions on marriage breakdown. The Act gives the spouse the right to have his or her share of the Member's pension entitlement (which cannot exceed 50% of the entitlement) transferred out of the pension plan at the time of a marriage breakdown. You should consult a lawyer about your rights and responsibilities in the event of a marriage breakdown.

The Maintenance Enforcement Act contains provisions that provide for the potential attachment of an individual's entitlement if they have unpaid child maintenance payments.

No, the benefits payable from this pension plan are in addition to any benefits you may receive from the Canada Pension Plan, and will have no impact on what you will receive from the Canada Pension Plan.

You should receive an annual pension statement in approximately June of each year that will detail your hours and service and provide your status with the Plan.

If you do not receive an annual pension statement, please check with FAS to ensure the address they have on file is correct. If you have any questions you can contact FAS directly using the toll-free telephone number 1-800-770-2998 or by e-mail at questions@fasadmin.com.

A "Notice of Change" form is available under Forms & Documents. If you have any questions you can contact FAS directly using the toll-free telephone number 1-800-770-2998 or by e-mail at questions@fasadmin.com.

The Notice of Change form may be used to change your address, marital status, spouse or beneficiary. Once you have completed the form you should return the signed form to FAS for processing. Mailing information for FAS is available under 'Contact Us' or as indicated at the bottom of the Notice of Change form.