Rehiring Retirees Policy

On this page:

1. Purpose
2. Application and Scope
3. Definitions
4. Principles
5. Accountability and Compliance
6. Rehiring Retirees
7. Revision Date
8. Attachments
9. Specific Links

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1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to identify circumstances whereby a retired College employee who is in receipt of CAAT Pension Plan (CAAT) pension benefits can subsequently return to work for the College.

 

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all regular full-time and part-time may impact former College Faculty, Support Staff and Administrative employees who, following retirement, elect to seek re-employment with the College.

 

3. Definitions

“Employee” is a College employee of active status in a full time, part time or temporary position.

“Retiree” is a former Mohawk College employee who has ceased employment with the College and is in receipt of a CAAT pension benefit.

“Retirement” is the state of having concluded employment with the College and begun to collect CAAT pension benefits.

 

4. Principles

This policy is based on the need to maintain a consistent and transparent process for hiring departments to follow when contemplating resourcing options which may include the rehiring of retirees.

 

5. Accountability and Compliance

5.1 Accountability Framework

This policy has been approved by Senior Leadership Team

5.2 Compliance

The Chief Human Resources Officer will ensure that the information within this policy is consistently applied and that all actions comply with the Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code as well as any additional applicable provincial legislation and Collective Agreements.

 

6. Rehiring Retirees

As an equal opportunity employer, the College values diversity and is committed to the principles found in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The College is committed to effective succession planning and does not intend to use College retiree re-employment as a substitute for developing well-qualified employees.

The College will not re-hire its retirees for the sole purpose of cost savings or convenience.

Re-employment must be in response to a College need, for example: the retiree possesses skills and institutional knowledge that the hiring department cannot otherwise readily obtain in the community; the retiree has a unique and/or valued skill set that continues to meet a specific organizational need, or the hiring department anticipates that the retiree will assist the replacement in knowledge transfer not otherwise available, in acquiring necessary skills and knowledge; or there is a short-term temporary need to be filled which requires an immediate ability to perform the full range of job duties (e.g. no time for a learning curve).

 

6.1 Eligibility

Before any contract is offered to a retiree, the hiring manager should reach out to your Human Resources Strategic Partner to ensure eligibility.

The College has a duty to ensure that there is a bona fide termination of employment prior to the employee retiring and collecting a pension, to ensure compliance with Income Tax Act rules and the CAAT Pension Plan terms. 

6.1.1 Full Time, Regular Roles

Retirees should not normally be considered for Full Time, regular roles, but exceptions may be made with approval from the area Vice President, or equivalent, and the CHRO.  The hiring manager should contact their Human Resources Strategic Partner for advice on these situations.

For retirees who are being considered for Full Time, regular roles, a consultation with the Compensation and Benefits Consultant is required prior to offer as there are pay, vacation, benefits eligibility and pension implications that must be considered by the retiree.

6.1.2 Contract Positions, Full Time Hours

Retirees must be retired for a minimum of three (3) months before returning to work at Mohawk College on a contract position with full time hours.

6.1.3 Contract Position, Part Time Hours

Retirees may return as part-time immediately following their retirement provided their regular weekly hours are not more than 24 hours.

 

6.2 Contract Length

Employment contracts for re-hired employees will normally be for a maximum of 6 months in duration. Any contracts longer than 6 months must be approved by the Director, HR Services.

 

6.3 Eligibility Exceptions

Employees who were terminated either for cause or not for cause will not be considered for re-employment with the College.

Mohawk College limits the hiring of employees who have received a voluntary separation package or retirement incentive package. These former employees will not be employed in any capacity (independently or as part of a consulting firm) for a minimum period of time that is equivalent to the term of notice and/or payment provided upon departure from the College.

 

6.4 Qualification and Compensation

Re-hired retirees are to meet the same skills and qualifications threshold as outlined in the job description. Retirees who are re-employed will not automatically revert to their former rate of pay even if they are returning to the same role. The rate of pay will be consistent with the payband for the position that they will be performing and be determined at the discretion of the College.

 

7. Revision Date

7.1 Revision Date

January 2028

7.2 Responsibility

The Chief Human Resources Officer will review this policy every five years or earlier where required.

 

8. Attachments

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9. Specific Links

CS-1313-2006 Recruiting and Selection Policy

Academic Employees Collective Agreement (not linked)

Support Staff Collective Agreement (not linked)

Term and Conditions of Employment for Administrative Staff (not linked)

Employee Standards Act of Ontario

Ontario Human Rights Code