Vacation time off with pay is available to eligible employees to provide opportunities for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits. Employees in the following employment classification(s) are eligible to earn and use vacation time as described in this policy:

* Regular full-time (non-hourly) employees

The amount of paid vacation time employees receive each year increases with the length of their employment as shown in the following schedule:

* Upon initial eligibility the employee is entitled to 5 vacation days each year, accrued weekly at the rate of 0.096 days.

* After 2 years of eligible service the employee is entitled to 10 vacation days each year, accrued weekly at the rate of 0.192 days.

* After 5 years of eligible service the employee is entitled to 15 vacation days each year, accrued weekly at the rate of 0.288 days.

The length of eligible service is calculated on the basis of a "benefit year." This is the 12-month period that begins when the employee starts to earn vacation time. An employee's benefit year may be extended for any significant leave of absence except military leave of absence. Military leave has no effect on this calculation. (See individual leave of absence policies for more information.)

Once employees enter an eligible employment classification, they begin to earn paid vacation time according to the schedule. However, before vacation time can be used, a waiting period of 90 calendar days must be completed. After that time, employees can request use of earned vacation time including that accrued during the waiting period.

Paid vacation time can be used in minimum increments of one day. To take vacation, employees should request advance approval from their supervisors. Requests will be reviewed based on a number of factors, including business needs and staffing requirements.

Vacation time off is paid at the employee's base pay rate at the time of vacation. It does not include overtime or any special forms of compensation such as incentives, commissions, bonuses, or shift differentials.

All vacation accruals will be reset to zero at the end of each calendar year. Employees are encouraged to schedule their vacations so that their vacation benefits will not expire before they are used.

Employees may, with officer approval, exercise vacation benefits in advance of their accrual, up to 40 hours. If an employee terminates with a negative balance in their benefits account, the deficit will be deducted from their final paycheck.