Full Time Paid Union Official. It is the policy of the Company to grant indefinite leaves of ab sence to employees who become f ull-time paid officials of unions (including the International) which have, and continue to have, representation at AFDS. In the event this facility ceases operation, the leave is to be terminated not later than the date the last represented employee in the applicable bargaining unit is laid off. Such leaves of absence are for the purpose of recognizing fully accumulated seniority, establishing terms of continued or renewed benefit participation, and determining the appropriate rate of p ay in the event such an official returns to the Company as an active employee within 60 days following severance as a Union employee. While on leave of absence, it is the Company’s policy to permit full-time union officials to participate at no cost to the Company in the group medical, dental plan, and lif e insurance plans in effect for represented employees in the area from which the offic ial is on leave. Full premiums at group rates for the coverage selected by the union official are to be paid directly to the Company or the selected carrier as applicable. The Co mpany will make whatever arrangements are necessary with the carrier to ensure that the coverage when requested is provided. Claims under the selected coverage will be administered by the Company as required. At the termination of an employee’s tenure of full time Union employment such employee shall be reinstated to the active payroll in the same job classification, consistent with accumulated seniority, at the base hourly pay rate which would have been at tained had the employee been on the active payroll during the leave of absence.
