6-540 UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Approved October 2007

POLICY

An unpaid leave of absence may be granted to a staff by the appropriate Service Director for a period up to and including six months, beyond which Resources Committee approval is required.

PROCEDURE

Unpaid leaves may be granted to staff requesting time off to pursue a personal interest, further education or extended vacation.

Seniority, vacation and sick leave days will not accrue while on an unpaid leave of absence.  Eligibility for job rate level advancement will be suspended while on unpaid leave.  See 6-360 Job Rates for level advancement criteria.

Benefit entitlement will be suspended for staff while on unpaid leaves except where continuation is required by law or at the discretion of the Executive Director in consultation with the appropriate Service Director.

Permanent full time staff on an approved unpaid leave of absence will be given the opportunity to continue group insurance coverage at the staff’s cost subject to approval and terms and restrictions imposed by the Agency and the insurance carrier.