H ealth Leave. After one (1) year of continuous employment, a leave of absence shall be granted for health reasons upon the recommendation of a physician for a period of up to six (6) months, without loss of benefits accrued to the date such leave commences. If the employee’s absence from work for health reasons does not exceed twelve (12) weeks, the employee shall return to work on the same department and unit if applicable, shift and former full-time or part-time status. Thereafter for the duration of the six (6) month leave, upon requesting return to work, the employee shall be offered the first available opening in job classification (or lesser paid job in the same classification series) for which the employee is qualified, unless a more senior employee in the classification and in the unit or department, applies for the position. The employee may use previously accrued sick leave and annual leave to the extent accrued during this health leave of absence. Prior to the employee returning from a health leave of absence, the Employer may require a statement from a licensed medical practitioner attesting to the employee’s capability to perform the work required of the position.
H ealth Leave. After one (1) year of continuous employment, leave without pay shall be granted upon request of an employee for a period of up to six (6) months for health reasons upon the recommendation of a physician without loss of benefits or seniority accrued to the date such leave commences. Health leave runs concurrently with any leave taken under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave, the Short-Term Disability Program of the Sound Health and Wellness Trust, or other available paid or unpaid leave taken for a health-related purpose. Unless required under FMLA or other applicable law, the Employer will make a good faith effort to hold a position open for the actual period of the leave of absence but not to exceed eight
