Wage and Benefit Package

Health Benefits
An employee qualifies for health benefits after three months of employment. Employees may choose either HMO/Dental Insurance or the Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP).

Health and Dental Insurance (through Group Health Cooperative and Ameritas Dental)
0 up to 24 hours = no coverage
24 up to 32 hours = half of premium paid by WSGC
32 plus hours = full premium paid by WSGC

Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP)
0 up to 24 hours = no coverage
24 up to 32 hours = accrued prorated at 1/2 rate*
32 plus hours = accrued at full rate

*The MERP allocation per pay period is determined annually on the Co-op's annual cost of insurance.

Vacation
Vacation time is prorated based on the number of hours worked per week, as long as the employee has averaged at least 24 hours in a quarter. So long as the minimum average hours are met each quarter, employees earn vacation days according to the following schedule:

Length of time employed	Amount of vacation accrued
1 year	1 week
2 years	2 weeks
3 years	3 weeks
4 years	3 weeks
5+ years	4 weeks

Note: Workers who average fewer than 24 hours per week do not earn Vacation Days.

Sick/Discretionary Days
WSGC offers discretionary days. These can be used for either illness or wellness. They are accumulated at the rate of six days per year for full time (40 hours per week) employees and are prorated for other employees who work an average of 24 or more hours per week.

Note: Workers who average fewer than 24 hours per week do not earn Sick/Discretionary Days.

Holidays
The Co-op recognizes the following days as holidays: New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Independence Day. The store will either be closed for the day and employees may choose to be paid for the day using "Holiday Makers," or if the store remains open, employees who work are paid time and a half for that holiday.

Staff Purchase Discounts
Staff who work an average of 10 hours/week are entitled to a 20% discount on purchases.

The Co-op may profit-share with staff employed during profitable periods. Staff must have successfully completed 768 hours and be in good standing.

All staff are eligible to participate in the Co-op’s transportation plan. This plan allows employees to set aside tax-free money to pay for transportation costs such as bus passes, parking, and qualified vanpools.

A 401(k) plan is offered as a benefit to all employees who are at least 21 years old and have completed 650 hours of service in a year. The Co-op may match your contributions based on a percentage of your income after you have met the eligibility criteria for 2 years.

The Employee Council
is a place where all Willy Street Co-op employees can, through representatives, set policy that impacts all employees. Representatives are elected annually by each department

Classes
Staff members may sign up for classes offered through the community room at no charge.

Cafeteria Plan
All staff are eligible to participate in the Co-op’s Cafeteria Plan. This plan allows employees to set aside tax-free money to pay for many kinds of out-of-pocket medical and child care expenses.