CUPE National. When an employee is selected for a full time position with the National Union, the Employer will be advised in writing by the local union. The Employer will grant the employee an unpaid leave of absence for a period of up to one (l) year. An additional year may be granted if requested by the Local. Such permission will not be unreasonably withheld. Leaves to the National Union will be limited to two employees at any one time. Benefits will not be provided during their leave of absence and will be held until the employee(s) returns to work. Seniority will continue to accumulate up to a maximum of two (2) years. The Employer will be advised three (3) months prior to the expiration of the leave of absence as to whether a year’s extension on the leave of absence will be requested or whether the person intends to return to work. For leaves of shorter duration, one (1) month's notice will be given. Upon completion of the leave of absence the person may return to their previous position. Benefits will be reinstated at the current level. If during this leave, the employee’s previous permanent position is affected by technological and/or organizational change, they will be notified in accordance with Article 6. The actual notice period will not start until the employee completes their term of office.
