23.   LEAVES OF ABSENCE:

 

A leave of absence without pay may be granted an employee who has completed one year of employment.  A leave of absence shall not exceed three months.

 

The leaves of absence consist of medical leaves, educational leaves and maternity leaves.  These leaves may be granted at the sole discretion of the employer as follows:

 

·         Medical or Maternity Leave may be granted in the event of an extended illness or injury of the employee.  A physician’s statement shall be required.

·         Education Leave may be granted for return to college, student teaching, seminars, or for any other educational purpose as approved by the employer.  Employees shall be required to submit a letter of explanation thirty days in advance of the requested leave.

 

The employer shall continue any health insurance benefits under the employer’s policies for an employee during a medical leave or a maternity leave.  Any co-pays by employees shall be the responsibility of the employee.  An employee shall be responsible for the entire expense of health insurance during an education leave.

 

Health insurance benefits shall cease to be provided to any employee when three months have elapsed since the last date that the employee worked for the employer.  These benefits shall cease three months from the date that a medical leave, educational leave or maternity leave commenced if an employee does not return to work at that time.  These benefits shall also cease if an employee is unable to work for any reason, including a work-related injury, when three months have elapsed since the last date that the employee worked for the employer.

 

For any employee who accepts another job or position while on a leave of absence (excluding educational leave if for teaching) his or her employment shall be terminated and all benefits will cease immediately.

 

Vacation time, sick and personal time and holidays are not paid or accumulated during a medical leave, educational leave or maternity leave.  Seniority is not accumulated during any of these leaves of absence.

 

An employee desiring to return to work from a leave of absence shall notify the employer of such desire thirty days prior to the date that the employee desires to return to work.  If thirty days notice is not reasonable under certain circumstances, the employee shall provide as much notice as is reasonable under the circumstances.

 

If you are a person with a covered disability, you may request a modification of this policy as a reasonable accommodation which shall not result in additional paid leave. 


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