Long Term Upon written request from the Executive Director of AFSCME Council 75 to DAS Labor Relations Unit, one (1) President/designee from an AFSCME Council 75 Central Table participating Agency shall be given release time from his/her position for a period of time up to one (1) year for the performance of Union duties related to the collective bargaining relationship. However, if the Union President/designee or Executive Director requests release time for less than his/her full regular schedule, such release time shall be subject to the Employer’s approval based on the operating needs of the employee’s work unit. AFSCME shall, within thirty (30) days of payment to the employee, reimburse the State for payment of appropriate salary, benefits, paid leave time, pension, and all other employer-related costs. Where this reimbursement is expressly prohibited by law or funding source, the employee shall be granted a leave of absence but the Employer will not be responsible for continuing to pay the employee’s salary and benefits. AFSCME shall indemnify and hold the State harmless against any and all claims, damages, suits, or other forms of liability which may arise out of any action taken or not taken by the State for the purpose of complying with this provision.