Leave of Absence for Union Business 20.1 On reasonable notice in writing and where operational requirements permit the Employer may grant a leave of absence without pay to an Employee who is elected or selected: (a) as a member of the Board of Directors of the Union for the attendance at Board meetings; (b) as a delegate to attend special conventions, conferences and/or educational programs of the Union and affiliated bodies including the National Union of Public and General Employees Canadian Labour Congress and the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour; (c) as members of standing Committees of the Union for the attendance at meetings of the standing Committees; (d) as members of the Bargaining Union negotiating committee of the Local for attendance at Committee meetings; (e) as members of the Executive to attend Executive Meetings of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union and the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour; or (f) for such other Union business as may be authorized by the Union. Such leaves will not be unreasonably refused. Such leaves shall be without pay but without loss of benefits or seniority during the period of the leave. The Employer will continue the salary and benefits of an Employee, who is granted leave without pay for Union business, and will invoice the Union for the Employee's salary and benefits. 20.2 On reasonable notice in writing and where operational requirements permit, an Employee who is seconded for a position with the Union or anybody with which the Union is affiliated may be granted a leave of absence without loss of seniority and benefits during the period of the leave. Such leave shall not be unreasonably refused. The Employer will continue the salary of an Employee who is seconded without pay and will invoice the Union for the Employee's salary and the Union shall reimburse the Employer for all pay or benefits during the period of the leave.
Substitute Employees Employees replacing another on leave of absence from the position shall be known as substitute employees. Those substitutes who exceed 194 workdays in the fiscal year shall not gain permanent employment rights with the District. However, the agency shop provisions of this contract shall cover the employee.