A Message from Anthony:
We hope you, your family, and everyone who is near and dear to you is healthy and managing day to day, considering these circumstances. As we maneuver through this difficult time, we will give you updates as often as we can. My intention in this communication is to give you a transparent view of our company’s status and offer some optimism for our future. Below this message you will find all the important information regarding payroll and your benefits. We ask that you acknowledge this communication by submitting your name at the bottom of this page.
Unlike many restaurants we will resume business when schools begin to open. The worst-case scenario is that we do not resume relatively normal activity until the 2020-2021school year, in late August.
My focus and intention since the COVID19 crisis forced our schools to shutdown was to obtain funds to get Cater to You employees paid. After the Federal Government made low interest SBA-PPP loans available for businesses, we applied, On Saturday April 18th we secured a government SBA- PPP loan and we received enough money to bring everyone back to work for eight weeks. Beginning April 20th all employees will be placed back on our payroll and you all will be recalled back to work for 8 weeks. This means you will not be eligible to claim unemployment starting 4/20/2020 and ending 6/12/2020.
Schools are closed so you will not report to your assigned school. You can continue to shelter in place until restrictions are lifted. This also means that you should notify unemployment that you have returned to work. Please see the information below regarding the details of your employment status.
It is a very challenging time for everyone, especially enduring the social isolation. Let us make sure we keep a sense of community and check-in. We have set up a WhatsApp account for each school team so that we can stay connected. We will be scheduling town hall Zoom video conferences for our Chefs and Sous Chefs to share updates and information. We have posted simple comfort recipes on our blog for you to create with your family. The recipes are updated weekly and we hope you enjoy them. Look for additional updates through EZ-text.
Additionally, you all have free access to our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) if you need emotional or financial support. They can even assist with resources for daycare and they provide many other resources. Please refer to the information sheet we provided you or contact our HR team if you have any questions pertaining to EAP.
During a crisis good companies come together and make sacrifices for the future. I see our future together as bright because there will be new opportunities that arise from our resiliency.
Try and maintain optimism and believe that tomorrow will be a better day than today.
Wishing you and your families good health and moments of solace during these trying times.
Sincerely,
Anthony Trentacosti
Please read below important information about this change for you.
What happens to my unemployment claims?
You cannot claim unemployment benefits from Monday 4/20/2020 through Friday 6/12/2020. Cater to You will protest all claims that are submitted during period, potentially resulting in fines for you and a stop on any future claims you place after 6/12/2020. After 6/12/2020 you will be able to claim unemployment again until work resumes.
Since I am back on payroll will I be going back to work; When will I return to work at my school or the office?
We are unsure when we will open for actual food service. We expect schools will fully reopen again towards the end of August for the 2020-2021 school year. The date of actual return to food service will be determined by the state and local government as well as the individual school’s decision to reopen for classes. Your Chef Manager will contact you about school opening as soon as the school has given clearance.
What happens to my benefits? Medical, Dental, Vision
Cater to You will pay health, dental and vision benefits for all currently enrolled employees through August 2020. During the time you are on the payroll deductions will be taken as usual. Missed deductions for the period you are not on payroll will be accrued and may withheld during the 2020-2021 school year.
401K contributions and CTY 401match
During the time you are on payroll, 401K deductions for contributions to your plan will be taken. You can elect to change or stop your contributions as you wish. CTY 401K match will be suspended starting 6/1/2020. You can continue making contributions, however CTY will not match any of your contributions. We will reevaluate resuming the match contributions towards the end of 2020 with a target resume date of 1/1/2021.
401k loan. I have not been working; can I delay those payments?
Yes, part of the CARES act states that you may delay payments on 401K loans that are outstanding and that you may take out hardship withdrawals with less fees. You may contact Empower at 1-800-338-4015 for assistance.
What if I have Voluntary Benefits through Colonial?
If you have voluntary benefits through Colonial Life such as disability, life insurance, critical care or accident Cater to You will continue to pay the premiums. During the time you are on the payroll deductions will be taken as usual. Missed deductions for the period you are not on payroll will be accrued and will be withheld as extra deductions when you return for the 2020-2021 school year. All extra deductions will be taken in September 2020. If you need to make any changes to your coverage or have any claims you may call Colonial at 1-800-325-4368.
Transit Benefits:
Transit changes are only able to be made once per month and changes take effect with a two month delay. As of June 1, 2020 all transit deductions have been suspended. The money remains on the card for your use for 2 years. Since transit deductions are taken out on the prior month, payments for May will be taken in April. However due to the disruptions in pay in March and April, some employees may still have balances that will be deducted after April to make up for past due payments.
Why have I been getting text messages to join WhatsApp?
We are concerned about every employee and there wellbeing. We just want to stay in touch and make sure that you are ok. We have started groups for each location so that you have an easy way to just check in and let us all know that you are ok.
Vacation Accruals
Please note that effective immediately we will not accrue vacation time for unit employees during school closures. This includes any paid time for which the schools are closed, and you are being paid but not physically working. Vacation will only accrue for eligible employees who are actually working regular hours. Vacation accruals will resume as of the re-opening of schools which is anticipated in August or September.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
If you have questions, please contact:
Mercedes Turner (646) 941-3223