Leave Without Pay for Reason of Faith or Conscience. In accordance with RCW 1.16.050, employees will have the option to take up to two unpaid holidays per calendar year for a reason of faith or conscience, or for an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. To take unpaid time off under the statute, employees must consult with their supervisor or administrator and use their unit's procedure for making advance leave requests. The employee will need to inform their unit that the requested unpaid day(s) is for a reason of faith or conscience or for an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. The employer can only deny an employee's requested day(s) off if the employer determines that the requested time off would impose an undue hardship on the employer, or the employee's presence is necessary to maintain public safety. Undue hardship is defined in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 00-00-000. Employees may be asked to provide verification for their unpaid leave request. Requests to use unpaid personal holiday leave will follow normal departmental leave request processes.
