WORKER’S COMPENSATION (2009). The Judicial Branch agrees to make every effort to promptly pay all compensation awards in accordance with the decisions of the Workers' Compensation Commission and to process voluntary agreement on lost wage payments as expeditiously as possible. Employees on worker's compensation leave shall be granted such leave for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months and employees on such leave shall have their seniority and benefit levels continue to accrue for the duration of the leave. Additionally, the Judicial Branch shall provide and pay the current premium rate for the employee's health and dental insurance coverage for the duration of the leave. The employee shall continue to be responsible for the employee's premium co-pay for dependent health and dental coverage. If, at the expiration of the twelve (12) month period, the employee is still unable to perform the duties of his/her job, the employee may be terminated by the Judicial Branch. If the employee provides a physician's statement within thirty (30) days of the expiration of leave stipulating that a return to full capacity will occur within six (6) months, then the Judicial Branch will extend the leave on a "one-time only basis." The employee will be automatically terminated on the new date unless the employee returns to work able to perform the duties of the job. Termination under this Article shall not be considered disciplinary in any way. Appendix A: Catastrophic Illness Leave Donation Program Appendix B: Employment of Relatives Appendix C: Influencing Legislation Appendix D: Outside Employment Appendix E: Smoking Policies Appendix F: MSEA President/Vice President The Judicial Branch recognizes that, in addition to the physical challenges arising from a catastrophic accident or illness, employees may also face significant financial challenges, particularly when they are unable to work for an extended period of time. In order to help mitigate the potential financial impact of such occurrences, we support the establishment of catastrophic leave banks in accordance with the following procedures. A catastrophic accident or illness is defined as: An illness or injury that is so serious in nature that it requires constant care, long-term recuperation and/or rehabilitation, and is certified by a physician to require the employee’s absence from the workplace for eight (8) weeks or more. The catastrophic occurrence shall be of such serious detriment that it prevents the employee from returning to work fo...
