Have you noticed how bad it has become?
How come no one cares or questions such drastic changes?
25 replies (most recent on top)
@tn what is your source for the statistics you are providing?
DB will go away. As will EDOs.
@pp what good is a DB plan when the company makes employment so untenable that <20% make it to retirement eligibility?
Rather have variable pay
Imperial's employment benefits are quite generous when compared to competitors. It is rare that anybody offers a DB plan and a DC plan coupled with decent Health and Dental coverage. It is getting quite spartan like out there. If you think competitors are offering better "emoluments" you should seek employment there. As someone who left the company a couple of years ago and went to Imperial's competitor noted "grass always appears green on the other side of the fence".
@gr
The DB pension wasn’t eliminated in 2015. It was just changed to a one pension option, vs the 3 pension option for pre 2015 hires. And the DC savings plan is still there too.
@j2 Not surprised at all. Global companies compensate local employees in accordance with local market conditions and prevailing wage rates.
@hc I made this comments to HR forums and their answer was essentially we pay based on the local market rate and the regional pay program is competitive. So basically we pay you what pay you today because we can.
If you see the benefits page and also on the pension section on goto/Canada, there's already information about DC plan. I have always wondered who's getting DC plan today. New hires?
@gr thanks for the Exxon view of things, exactly what I thought it would be
@gr IOL’s additional days off create entitlement? I’d trade those EDO’s in a heartbeat if they would pay me the equivalent of what my US counterparts make. They make about 30% more than me BEFORE you do the currency conversion. They should think about the inefficiencies that creates. Glad to be getting off this sinking ship
@gr agreed. The perks will go away. Something to think about for those on the fence about accepting or declining presented offers
@g2 The DB Plan has already been eliminated, leaving only the DC Plan as of September 2015. There is speculation that the DC Plan may also be discontinued. In addition, EDO Fridays and floaters are expected to be removed. EM leadership has expressed concern that IOL’s additional days off create an entitlement that is inconsistent across the broader EM workforce and contributes to operational inefficiencies.
I am willing to bet that there next phase will be a pension change. From defined benefit to defined contribution. That plus I am guessing a review of site based personnel. Just a guess…hang in folks. Darkness coming and then light once your set free!
Why is anyone surprised at the poor coverage? This was communicated with coverage details.
This entire company is a dumpster fire - from senior leaders to benefits plans and everything in-between.
I can't wait to leave.
I just learned that dr-g coverage for half of my prescription medications has been cut from 80% to 50%. I enrolled in Core+Plus for 2026 expecting stronger protection, yet I’m now paying higher premiums for significantly weaker dr-g and health benefits. This isn’t a minor adjustment — it’s a major reduction in support for employees who rely on these medications. It’s hard to understand how leadership can justify these cuts while expecting people to stay committed and productive under increasing financial and personal strain. I can’t wait to get out of this sh*thole of a company.
And Alight is so bad too, pure incompetence, the amount of times I've had to call them to fix things/they send incorrect info, is crazy...
Health and dental benefits are part of our total compensation, so of course most of us are concerned about the downgrade in coverage. Once the HSA is used up, everything becomes out‑of‑pocket, and that’s a real financial hit. What else is there that would make someone want to stay with this company besides the regular paycheck? Many employees haven’t received salary increases in years, and our net pay keeps shrinking because of higher deductions.
Just ridiculous. Went to therapy yesterday, because you know, the last couple months has taken a mental toll and at the Alberta rate it still left $50 uncovered. The HSA is gonna get consumed quickly, can’t wait for the eye doctor and dentist. Gotta love how this company is treating its employees
I left and went to a competitor and was shocked at how bad IOLs health and dental benefits are. Not even in the same ballpark.
Don’t have to pay for my own dentist or glasses anymore
@aj Apparently this “benefits downgrade” is the grand masterpiece that multiple HR Benefits Advisors have been toiling over for several years… truly inspiring work. I’m sure the incentives for successfully cutting everything were well deserved! 🤨
True, if you read the details you realise that the internal negotiators are likely incompetent
Because job security and salary come first?… your livelihood is being eroded and you’re worried about a dental cleaning and a massage.
Imperial's benefits have slowly gotten worse over the years. 15+ years ago, the benefit package was good. Now it's worse than many industry peer companies. The Health Care Expense account amount has basically been the same for 15 years, when costs have increased a lot. Another reason to get out now while you can.
Is only going to get worse. Also, If don’t retire by YE benefits continue to reduce.
All part of being competitive and aligning with our peers.
@OP I think right now people are more focussed on whether they will still have a future with the company (or if they even still want one). Health & dental benefits are a
Title lower down the priority list.