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Article 24 : leave without pay

24.1 The Dean or Director can authorize a leave without pay when he is willing to guarantee that the employee's position will be protected, for a maximum period of one (1) year. During this period, the employee's position must be kept available, even if a replacement is hired. However, if the position is abolished, the provisions in Article 18, "Employment and Lay-off Priority", shall apply upon returning to work.

24.2 The request is made in writing to the Dean or Director at least three (3) months in advance of the start date of the period requested. For exceptional reasons the request could be less.

Authorization is at the discretion of the Dean or Director and takes the following criteria into account:

  • the reason for the leave; testing a position with a different employer other than the University is a valid reason for refusal;
  • the duration of the leave;
  • the employee's seniority;
  • the projected length of service after the return to work; and
  • the possibilities of obtaining a competent replacement on a temporary basis.

When the Dean or Director of a service does not authorize a leave without pay with protection of the person's position, a written letter is given to the employee providing the reasons.

24.3 

  • Leave without pay with protection of the position:
    • During the first three (3) months of leave, the employee is entitled to all insured benefits for which the employee's salary normally gives entitlement, according to the distribution of costs just prior to the leave.
    • The employee can continue participating in the insured benefits program of the University after the third (3rd) month of leave without pay, provided that the Human Resources Service is notified in writing at least thirty (30) calendar days before the start of the leave and that the employee undertakes to pay in full the costs (employer and employee contributions).
    • During the leave, the employee can continue contributing to the University pension plan provided that he pays both the employer and employee contributions.
  • Leave without pay without protection of the position:
  • The request can subsequently be forwarded to the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations, who will consider the request for leave without pay without protection of the person's position. The University shall not refuse such a request without valid reason. Testing a position with another employer than the University is a valid reason for refusal.

  • Such leave shall not be approved for a period exceeding one (1) year.

24.4 Specific conditions apply to requests for leave without pay immediately following childcare leave, as set forth in the Article 26 on "Childcare Leave".

24.5 Unless the Agreement specifies otherwise, an employee who requests and is granted a leave without pay will not receive insured benefits or other benefits provided for in the Agreement, including the accumulation of seniority, in accordance with Article 13 'Seniority'.

24.6 An employee who was granted leave without pay with protection of his position and who wants to return to his position before the end of his leave or the scheduled return date must notify the Dean or Director in writing at least one (1) month before the new scheduled return date and must obtain the Dean or Director's authorization.

24.7 An employee who was granted leave without pay with protection of his position and who returns to his position at the end of his leave shall receive the same base salary that he was receiving just before his leave, adjusted for cost-of-living salary increases that would have been granted during his absence, as long as these adjustments do not place him above the maximum salary for his salary grade.

24.8 Employees already on leave without pay are not eligible for the various leaves covered by the Agreement.

Leave Without Pay to Hold Public Office

24.9 A leave without pay with protection of the employee's position for the purpose of taking part in military or paramilitary activities for the Government of Canada will be approved upon request in accordance with the terms and conditions of government agreements and programs in force. The benefits and conditions listed in this article will apply.

Leave without pay for Union duties

24.10 The University can grant leave without pay with protection of the employee's position to enable an employee to lend his services to the Union for a maximum period of two (2) years. This request is granted when requested, provided there is a thirty (30) workday period before the start of the requested leave. Beyond these two (2) years, the leave will be without pay and without protection of the employee's position.

Leave without pay for political duties

24.11 An employee who is an official candidate for election to the Parliament of Canada, to a provincial legislature or assembly, or to the office of mayor of Ottawa or Gatineau or any similar office as determined by the University, may request a leave without pay for a maximum period of sixty (60) consecutive calendar days during which he is campaigning for office. An employee may request a leave of absence without pay without protection of his position for a maximum period equal to the duration of his first mandate if he is elected.