Voluntary Reduction in Hours Appointing Authorities may allow employee(s) to take unpaid leaves of absence to reduce layoffs otherwise necessary. If it is necessary to limit the number of employees in a work unit on unpaid leave at the same time, the Appointing Authority shall determine whether conflicts shall be resolved among classes or within a particular class based upon staffing needs. In either event, leave shall be granted on the basis of State Seniority within the employee's work unit. Such employees taking leaves of absence under this Section shall continue to accrue vacation and sick leave and be eligible for paid holidays and insurance benefits as if the employees had been actually employed during the time of leave. If a leave of absence is for one (1) full pay period or longer, any holiday pay shall be included in the first payroll period warrant after return from the leave of absence. Upon return from leave, the employee shall return to his/her former position.
