(A) The Village Board may grant leaves of absence without pay for absence from work not covered by any other type of leave or if other leave balances are exhausted. Examples of situations for which leave without pay may be granted included time off work for personal reasons, such as prolonged illness, parenting, caring for an ill relative, pursuing an education or fulfilling a military obligation in excess of 15 days per year.
(B) Only regular full-time and part-time employees who have satisfactorily completed their probationary period are eligible for leave without pay. The following requirements apply.
(1) Leave may be granted to an employee for a period of up to 30 days upon the approval of the Village Board. Further extensions are at the discretion of the Village Board.
(2) Accrued compensatory time, if any, and vacation leave must be exhausted prior to taking any leave without pay.
(3) An employee’s benefits are suspended during the period of unpaid leave until the employee returns to work. Vacation, sick leave and/or any other benefits do not accrue while an employee is on leave without pay.
(4) In certain circumstances, self-payment of benefits may apply.
(5) An employee who fails to report promptly at the end of the unpaid leave is presumed to have resigned. An employee returning from a temporary disability may, at the village’s option, return to the same position or similar position at a comparable rate of pay.
(6) Unless specified elsewhere in this manual or expressly stated in writing and signed by the Village Board, while on authorized leave of absence without pay, the employee will not accrue vacation or sick leave benefits. An employee will be returned to the same or a comparable position after the leave based upon the needs of the village, the length of the leave and prior performance of the employee.
(7) Prior to returning from a leave for medical incapacity, an employee may be required to submit a medical report certifying that the employee is able to resume regular job responsibilities.
(8) An employee’s employment with another employer while on a leave of absence will automatically constitute a voluntary resignation.
(Ord. 648, passed 11-9-2020; Ord. 688, passed 9-11-2023)