WCB – Alberta (Millard Health) Collective Agreement 2021-2024

Article 33: General Policies Covering Leaves of Absence

1. All applications for leave of absence must be made in writing to the Employer.
2. Leaves of absence greater than twenty two (22) working days shall be made to the Employer sixty (60) calendar days in advance of such leave unless the Employer agrees to a lesser period. The application shall specify the requested dates and the reason for the leave. An approval shall not be unreasonably denied.
3. All vacation entitlement must be used before an unpaid leave of absence is approved. The vacation entitlement does not need to be exhausted for other leaves of absence outlined in Article 37, 52 and Letter of Understanding #1.
4. The Employer will acknowledge receipt of the request, in writing, within fourteen (14) calendar days of the Employee’s request.
5. Where possible, the Employer will communicate its decision a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days prior to the requested commencement of such leave, provided the Employee’s written request is submitted a minimum of two (2) months prior to the leave.
6. Where approval is denied, the Employer will respond in writing and reasons shall be given.
7. An Employee who has been granted leave of absence of any kind and who overstays their leave without permission of the Employer shall be deemed to have terminated their employment.
8. In the case of leave of absence in excess of twenty two (22) working days duration, an Employee may make prior arrangements and be responsible for the payment of the full premiums of any benefit plans they are eligible for and chooses to continue.
9. In the case of a leave of absence in excess of twenty two (22) working days, an Employee shall cease to earn sick leave, vacation credits, termination benefits and long service awards. An Employee’s increment date shall be adjusted by the same amount of time as the leave of absence and the new increment date shall prevail thereafter (except for educational leave defined in Article 35).
10. A leave of absence without pay of up to and including five (5) days per year to extend vacation time may be granted by the Employer. Leave of absence in excess of five (5) days shall not be unreasonably withheld. 
    Approval will be based on:
    1. the circumstances of the request; and
    2. whether it is practical and reasonable for the department to grant the request.