Leaves of Absence

A number of different types of leave may be available to employees. Each type is summarized in the policies that follow. The Company will grant leaves of absence as required by law and may, in its discretion, grant leaves in other circumstances. Leave should be requested in writing as far in advance as possible. Employees on leave are expected to stay in contact with their supervisor or Human Resources and to give prompt notice if a return date changes. Some types of leave have specific request, notification, and certification requirements, and it is the employee's responsibility to meet them. The Company also reserves the right to require medical certification or other appropriate verification of the need for leave from the employee or a third party. If an employee's leave expires and the employee has not contacted the supervisor or Human Resources, the Company will assume the employee does not intend to return and has resigned. An employee who is unwilling or unable to return to work at the end of any leave may be terminated.

This Handbook contains only summaries of the available leaves. Each type of leave may have detailed requirements regarding eligibility, duration, benefits, and other matters. Leaves of absence are generally unpaid, although accrued sick leave or PTO may be used as described in the individual leave policies. Before taking any leave, employees should contact Human Resources to confirm the requirements and consequences of the leave.

Employees on leave are expected not to obtain other employment, other than military service pay, or to apply for unemployment insurance during the leave. Accepting other non military employment while on leave will be treated as a voluntary resignation from the Company.

Any counseling, performance review, or disciplinary action, including discharge, that was being considered before an employee requested or began a leave, or that comes to the Company's attention during a leave, may be held in abeyance or carried out as the Company sees fit. If action is held in abeyance, the Company may proceed with it after the employee returns. Requesting or taking a leave does not relieve employees of their responsibility to perform their work capably and to follow all Company policies, rules, and procedures while on the job.