Part-time associates moving to full-time are eligible for all full-time benefits when they meet the requirements for each benefit.  The Associate Savings and Retirement Plan follows separate requirements.

Full-time associates moving to part-time, who currently subscribe to the health insurance plan, have the options listed below.

1.     A full-time associate with fifteen (15) years of full-time service who changes to part-time status is entitled to continued health care coverage under the company's plan until age sixty-five (65) provided that the associate pays the entire monthly cost (COBRA rates).  Other benefits are determined based on eligibility requirements.

2.     A full-time associate with less than fifteen (15) years of full-time service with the company, who changes to part-time status, and who has no other health insurance plan available, is entitled to continued coverage for a period of eighteen (18) months from the effective date of part-time employment under COBRA provisions.

Sick Leave, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Funeral Pay, Military Pay, and Jury Duty Pay are available only to full-time associates.

Vacation pay for full-time associates moving to part-time will be provided according to the vacation policy for part-time associates.  Vacation pay for part-time associates moving to full-time will be provided under the vacation policy providing the greater benefit.  Part-time service will be applied for full-time vacation schedule purposes.  Actual hours previously awarded are carried over completely when a change occurs.

The Associate Savings and Retirement Plan has its own eligibility requirements based on age, hours worked, and length of service.  To determine eligibility for benefits for part-time temporary and casual positions see each benefit description's "Eligibility" section.

Part-time is defined as less than thirty-five (35) hours a week.  If a position averages more than thirty-five (35) hours a week for ninety (90) days, it is subject to review.  If the increase in hours is temporary, the position will remain part-time. If the condition is expected to continue, the position may be reclassified to full-time.

An associate who leaves the company and returns within three (3) months will be given credit for previous part and full-time service (as appropriate) for benefit eligibility.  Beyond three (3) months the associate is treated as a new hire.  The Associate Savings and Retirement Plan has separate guidelines.

For the purpose of benefit eligibility, retirement is defined as follows:

1.     Early retirement is effective at age fifty-five (55) with at least fifteen (15) years of service.

2.     Normal retirement is effective at age sixty-five (65) with at least fifteen (15) years of service.