Section A. Time Off for Union Business.

To the extent that absence from work does not substantially interfere with the Employer's operations, properly designated Union representatives, regardless of shift assignment, shall be allowed time off without pay for legitimate Union business such as Union meetings, Union Executive Board or Executive Council Meetings, state or area-wide Union committee meetings, state or international SEIU  conventions; the period of release without pay shall include the time for actual attendance, as well as necessary travel time to and from the function.

1. Notification to the Employer for Use of Leave. Except as may be mutually agreed to on a case by case basis, the Union President or his/her designee shall provide notice containing the name, Agency and Chapter of employees designated to attend such functions at least four business days in advance of the date(s) the employee will be taking time off for Union business. For purposes of this Article, business days are defined as Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The parties understand that unusual circumstances may arise where leave is requested without the required notice, and agree to work to resolve any issues where possible. The written notice shall be provided to the Department Labor Relations Manager or designee for distribution.

No employee shall be entitled to be released pursuant to these provisions, unless designated by the Union President or his/her designee as provided above.

2. Use of Leave Credits. The employee may utilize any accumulated leave time (compensatory, deferred hours, annual,) in lieu of taking such time off without pay. Such time off shall not be detrimental in any way to the employee's record. Employees shall be permitted annual leave absence from work for such Union business up to a maximum of their accrued credits.

The Union agrees to furnish the Employer the name of the President's designee, in writing, within 30 calendar days following the effective date, or date of approval, of this Agreement, whichever occurs first.

Section B. Loss of Benefits.

Employees who have been granted leave without pay shall not continue to earn annual leave, sick leave and length of service credits for such unpaid leave. The parties agree to minimize time lost from work.

Section C. MCO State-Wide Executive Council.

The Union will furnish to the Office of the State Employer in writing the names, Departments and Chapters of members of the Union's Executive Council within five days after the designation of such members, or as soon thereafter as practicable. Notification of any changes in membership of the Executive Council shall be made in writing to the Office of the State Employer within five days after such change.

Members of the Executive Council (not to exceed a total of two from any facility, or three if mutually agreed on a case by case basis) of whose designation the Employer has been properly notified shall be granted time off without pay to attend meetings of the Executive Council.

Section D. Leave for Union Representation Activities During Working Hours.

The departmental employer will honor directives issued by the Civil Service Commission concerning administrative leave. If an employee is not released to attend such meetings or in the case of a justified emergency as claimed by the Appointing Authority, the Union may request the appropriate authority to postpone and reschedule such meeting. In those cases where the Union makes such request, the Employer shall grant or concur in such request.

Section E. Union Administrative Leave Of Absence.

Subject to the provisions of this Section, one employee designated in writing by the Union President or Executive Director will be granted Union Leave of Absence of 2,088 hours per fiscal year. However, any pay provided by the employer shall be governed by Civil Service Rules and Regulations. The Union shall indemnify the Employer for any and all liability arising out of any act or omission of the employee, and for any and all costs arising out of any injury, illness or disability to the employee which may be compensable under the State's Workers’ Compensation Act, during the term of the Leave of Absence.

During the period of the Leave of Absence, the employee shall be considered as not subject to the direction and control of the Employer.