Voluntary Furlough

Today I attended the legislative subcommittee at the Salt Lake County Council. In the meeting the council members on the committee discussed changes to the Human Resource Policy & Rules - Leave Practices #5510.

The specific changes that were discussed had to do with a voluntary furlough – meaning that it would not be mandatory. Employees would be given another leave option, during tight budget years, to take leave without pay. The new rule would stipulate that it must be approved by a supervisor, similar to taking vacation time. It could not be used for more than 10 consecutive days, or 30 days in the year but would still allow an employee to accrue annual leave and be eligible for benefits. An employee may take the voluntary furlough days any time – including holidays, upon supervisor approval.

In the meeting, UPEA spoke in favor of the changes, as it allows for another leave option that is voluntary in nature.

The changes were reviewed and approved by the committee. It will be presented to the full council for approval in the next few weeks.