Sick Leave Abuse When the Employer suspects sick leave abuse, the employee will be provided the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding their sick leave use prior to disciplining the employee, or making reference to sick leave use in the employee’s performance evaluation. The Employer may not adopt or enforce any policy that counts the use of paid sick leave time as an absence that may lead to or result in disciplinary action for an authorized purpose. The Employer may not discriminate or retaliate against an employee for the use of paid sick leave for an authorized purpose.
Discipline for Just Cause Disciplinary action shall be taken only for just cause, however probationary employees may be discharged without just cause and shall have no right to grieve discharge (see Article 7, Probationary Period). Disciplinary action, except discharge, shall have as its purpose the correction or elimination of incorrect work-related behavior by an employee. Supervisors may not take disciplinary action against an employee who, in good faith, reports a violation of any federal or state law or regulation to a governmental body or law enforcement official. Disciplinary action may not be taken against an employee who is requested by a public agency to participate in an investigation, hearing, or inquiry, as well as an employee who refuses to participate in any activity that the employee, in good faith, believes violates state or federal law.
Use of Vacation Leave for Sick Leave Purposes The Employer may allow an employee who has used all of his or her sick leave to use vacation leave for sick leave purposes as provided in Article 12.2 A. An employee who has used all of his or her sick leave may use vacation leave for sick leave purposes as provided in Article 12.2 B – H.
Determination of Service for Sick Leave with Pay Actual time worked and all leave with pay, except for educational leave, shall be included in determining the pro rata accrual of sick leave credits each month, provided that the employee works thirty-two (32) hours or more in that month.
Overtime Meals When employees are required to work more than two (2) hours beyond their regular work days, the Employer will provide hot meals at no cost to the employees, up to a maximum of sixteen dollars ($16.00) (receipts to be submitted) plus paid meal periods of one-half (1/2) hour at the prevailing rate and thereafter at four (4) hour intervals. Any early morning start before regular starting time is entitled to a paid meal. The breakfast limit is thirteen dollars ($13.00) (receipts to be submitted). Employees called out on overtime shall be paid for meals as above, after four (4) hours work.
Sick Leave Verification The Employer will not require verification for absences of less than 3 consecutive work days. Such verification or proof may be given to the supervisor/manager or Human Resources according to departmental policy. The Employer will not make unreasonable requests for sick leave verification.
