(A) Accrual. Full-time employees shall accrue sick leave hours at the rate of six and three-quarters hours per month worked commencing with the month following the first full month of employment. Part-time, temporary or seasonal employees shall not accrue sick leave. Earned sick leave days or time shall be accumulated from year to year, commencing with the month of January, 1991, not to exceed 120 working days. In case of extended hospitalization and convalescence due to illness, the department head involved or the appropriate board may exercise discretion in extending sick leaves.
(B) Maximum accumulation and conversion. Full-time employees may accrue up to, but not to exceed, 120 sick days.
(C) Return to work following extended illness. Absence from work due to illness or accident of 60 calendar days or more duration is termed "extended illness." An employee absent from work due to illness or accident will be guaranteed the right to return to the same job, provided he/she returns to work within 120 calendar days from the last day worked. Whenever an employee is absent from work due to illness or accident and does not return to work within 120 calendar days, the city will attempt to place him/her in the same or similar job as soon as possible. It is the employee's responsibility to keep his/her supervisor informed of his/her progress if he/she is absent from work due to illness or accident. Whenever an employee is returning from an extended illness he/she will be required to receive written clearance from his/her physician and be accepted by the department head. It is necessary for all employees who have been absent an extended period to follow this procedure so that their employment status may be activated.
(D) In cases of sickness or accident where an employee is absent for more than his/her accrued sick time, a sick leave of absence (non-paid) in excess of the 120 days in division (C) above from the last date accrued for sick benefits for up to six months may be granted and entered on the employee's records, with a doctor's statement, at which time requests will be subject to review. The city will assume payment for the employee's insurance premium for three months while on such sick leave. After this time, the city shall not be liable for the premium. Such sick leave of absence will not affect the employee's seniority job status.
(E) Malingering. In cases of malingering, the supervisor may designate such leave vacation, leave without pay, or, as grounds for dismissal. Sick leave days are not to be used as vacation time nor as holiday extension. They are for legitimate illness only. Any abuse of the use of sick leave or excessive absenteeism will result in dismissal or other disciplinary action as deemed necessary by the department head or appropriate board. After being absent the first full day, a doctor's statement may be required by the department head. After being absent three full days, a doctor's statement shall be required by the department head. Sick leave pay shall only be based upon bona fide illness. During the regular working hours of the employee, he/she shall remain at home, or at some other location approved by their supervisor. Visits to physician, pharmacy or some other type of care facility are approved during these hours. If a physician orders some other type of rest or recuperation, the employee must notify his/her supervisor.
(F) Accrued sick days status. Employees will not be paid for accumulated sick days upon termination, resignation, leave of absence or retirement.
(Ord. 46-7-90, passed 8-21-90; Am. Ord. 53-12-92, passed 12-28-92)