O-2009-3129 approving updated Employee Policy Handbook

Browse Search

Minimum Increments — Sick leave must be taken in minimum increments of one hour Failure to Report Absence/ Abuse of Sick Leave — Supervisors are expected to closely monitor use of sick leave. It is anticipated that employees using paid City sick time for their own illness/injury or that of a family member will use their sick leave time to recuperate or care for their family member. Trips to the doctor or hospital stays/visits, which take the employee away from the home, are acceptable, but other personal pursuits during paid sick leave will be considered an abuse of this policy. Abuse of sick leave, including use of sick leave for anything other than an illness, injury, or doctor/dentist appointment as provided for in this policy, may result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, and may also render the employee ineligible for paid sick leave benefits. Similarly, employees who fail to timely report an absence or tardiness due to illness, injury, or doctor/dentist appointment may be disqualified from using sick leave for their absence. Documentation — Employees must present satisfactory proof of illness/injury that prevents him/her from working whenever the employee uses sick leave for 3 or more consecutive work days, and at any other time if requested by the City. An employee may also be required to present satisfactory proof of family relationship and/or satisfactory proof of a family member's illness, injury, and/or doctor/dentist appointment if the employee wishes to use accrued sick leave to care for a family member. If the employee fails to present such proof in a timely manner, use of sick leave will be disallowed and no other paid leave may be used for the absence. Abuse of sick leave may result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. Family and Medical Leave Act Leave — Sick leave exceeding 14 days must be in accordance with FMLA leave. Any absence that qualifies for both Family and Medical Leave Act leave and sick leave will follow the guidelines set out in this policy, and will typically be counted as both. 7.09 Family Medical Leave Act The City of La Porte offers FMLA leave pursuant to the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Under FMLA, eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for specified family and medical reasons. Emolovee Eliaibilitv To be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must have worked for the City of La Porte • For at least 12, and • For at least 1,250 hours in the last 12 -months preceding the start of the leave. FMLA Leave Runs Concurrently With Other Types of Leave If an employee has any available accrued sick leave or vacation leave, it must be used concurrently with any available FMLA leave, provided the employee's absence is covered by the City's sick leave policy. FMLA leave will also run concurrently with any time off from work covered by workers' compensation. !193