BCGEU - Leave Without Pay
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance in applying the provisions concerning Leave Without Pay in Article 24.8 of the BCGEU collective agreement.
How do I apply for a leave of absence without pay?
Requests for a LWOP will be made in writing to the appropriate responsible administrator. A leave without pay may be requested for personal reasons or unusual circumstances.
How will I know if my request has been approved?
The Employer will respond in writing to the employee indicating whether or not the leave has been approved. If the employer denies the leave, reasons for the denial will be provided to the staff member.
What is the procedure for processing my application?
In considering a request for a leave without pay, the University considers its ability to deliver educational training and services to students.
Prior to making a decision on the request, the responsible administrator will consider any other entitlements the employee may have under the collective agreement. Normally all vacation entitlements will be taken and/or scheduled prior to the approval of a leave of absence without pay, however, individual and/or extenuating circumstances will be considered by the appropriate responsible administrator.
Normally, leaves without pay will not be approved for a period exceeding one year. Requests for extensions beyond one year will be reviewed on an individual basis by the appropriate administrator and Human Resources.
How much notice am I required to give when requesting a leave without pay?
There is no length of noticed required under the collective agreement, however, it is appreciated that enough notice be given to process the request and possibly find a replacement for the duration of the leave.
What happens to my benefit coverage during my leave without pay?
As per Article 21.11, staff on a full-time leave of absence will be responsible for benefit premiums should they choose to maintain them, subject to approval by Manulife. For staff members on a part-time leave of absence, benefit premiums will be paid by the employer on a pro-rata basis.
Will I earn a salary increment while on a leave without pay?
As per Article 34.4(e), the date upon which an employee would normally be entitled to an increment will be extended by the length of time the employee is on a leave without pay where the leave is for more than an accumulated total of thirty (30) days in a calendar year.
Will I earn vacation time while on a leave without pay?
As per Article 20.1, when an employee does not work a complete calendar year, vacation entitlement shall be earned at the rate of one-twelfth of the employee's annual entitlement for each month he/she has worked at least ten (10) days' pay at straight-time rates.
We hope this document has been helpful. We invite your questions or for you to provide any suggestions or comments to make this document more useful.
Click the appropriate link to go to:
