Human Resources Policy Manual - The United Church of Canada

Compensation and Leaves
Unpaid Leave of Absence Policy 2.13
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Reviewed September 2011
Unpaid Leave of Absence
Purpose
The United Church of Canada is committed to supporting its employees and provides for a
leave of absence for those who require it.
Policy
All employees may be granted a leave of absence without pay with the approval of the
corresponding General Council Officer, with advice and consultation from the Ministry and
Employment Unit.
Vacation and sick leave credits do not accrue during a leave of absence without pay.
The policy regarding benefit and pension coverage during a leave of absence is as follows:
• A leave of absence of more than 30 calendar days will be considered a break in
continuous service for the purpose of benefit entitlement. The employee will keep
benefits and service earned up to that date.
• In order to maintain provincial health care coverage, the employee will pay the full
premium (employee and employer portions) directly to the payroll office. This applies
only in provinces where health care premiums are paid by individuals.
• In order to maintain benefit coverage and membership in the pension plan, the
employee will pay the full premium(s) (employee and employer portions) directly to
The United Church of Canada’s Pension and Benefits Centre, our third-party pension
and benefits administrator.
Procedures
1. If an economic adjustment is due during the leave of absence, it will take effect on the
date the employee returns to work.
2. Any anniversary review and salary range increase due during the leave period will be
postponed until after the employee returns to work. If the leave of absence is more than
30 days, the anniversary date is moved forward by the length of the leave, after which
time the increase becomes effective. Subsequent anniversary dates will occur every 12
months (providing employment is continuous) from the new anniversary date.
3. All benefits will be reinstated and the usual payroll deductions made upon the
employee’s return to work.
The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada