Full-time Position With Union. An employee who is elected or appointed to office in the Union, upon request, shall be granted a leave of absence without loss of seniority for up to three (3) years. During such leaves of absence, salary and benefits shall be kept whole by the Hospital and the Union agrees to reimburse the Hospital for such salary and the Hospital’s contributions to said benefits. The employee agrees to notify the Hospital of his/her intention to return to work within six (6) weeks following the termination of office for which the leave was granted. An employee on leave of absence under this provision shall continue to accrue all rights and privileges under this Agreement. It is understood that the intent of this article is that it shall apply only to one employee at a time and that the Union shall provide adequate notice prior to an employee commencing a Union Leave of Absence. The Employer shall fill the vacant position as the result of the absence of an employee on a Union Leave of Absence as it sees fit. Employment of persons hired to replace employees who are on such leaves of absence will not exceed the length of the leave of absence. It is understood that the person hired from outside will cease to be employed upon the return of the employee and such release will not be subject to a grievance or arbitration. The Hospital will outline to an employee or employees selected to fill such temporary vacancies the circumstances giving rise to the vacancy, and the special conditions relating to such employment.
Full-time Position With Union. An employee who is selected to work on a full-time basis for the Union will be given leave of absence for a period of up to twelve (12) consecutive months, provided a written request is made to the Hospital not less than thirty (30) days before the leave is scheduled to commence. During such leave an employee shall continue to accumulate seniority but shall receive no pay or other benefits from the Hospital. The Hospital may, at its discretion, extend such leave beyond twelve (12) consecutive months if a request is made for an extension.
