Proposal – Family Caregiving Leave Accrual Policy 

 A Joint Policy by Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Family Issues Charter Committee

DRAFT

Current policy

Operation Manual 22.1, 22.2 and 22.3, PART III. HUMAN RESOURCES - DIVISION IV TIME OFF AND SCHEDULING

CHAPTER 22: ABSENCES

22.1 Definitions

22.2 General Policy on Absences

22.3 Sick Leave Policy: Leave for Medically Related Disability, Family Caregiving, Funerals, Service as a Pall Bearer, Adoption, and On-the-Job Injury

Summary of the Current Policy

Absences which can be charged to family caregiving leave under current policies are limited to 5 days per calendar year (provided the employee has a sufficient sick leave balance). Any absence in excess of this amount must be charged to vacation or reported as absence without pay.  "Family Caregiving Leave" is defined as an absence to provide care of and necessary attention to ill or injured members of the employee's immediate family.

Proposed Policy Change

Allow all classifications including faculty and P & S staff to carry over up to 40 hours of unused family care leave.

Rationale

• Create a consistent policy for AFSCME covered employees, P & S employees and faculty.  AFSCME contract which beginning on July 1, 2005, has negotiated a new clause into the contract - Article IX, Section 10-B(5) .  In summary, employees will be allowed to carry over up to 40 hours of unused care and necessary attention leave.
• Develop policies that emphasize the importance and values of a family friendly environment.
• Three major governing organizations are proposing this policy change.