Employees who are certified disaster service volunteers of the American Red Cross or Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) are eligible for paid leave time in order to participate in disaster relief for a level III or above disaster at the request of the Red Cross or IEMA.
Disaster Service Volunteer Leave is provided for under State of Illinois Compiled Statutes 5 ILCS 335 - Disaster Service Volunteer Leave Act.
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Eligibility
Approval
Length of Leave
Benefits Continuation
Compensation
Eligibility
Employees who are certified disaster service volunteers of the American Red Cross or assigned to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), and whose services are requested by the American Red Cross or IEMA in response to a level III or above disaster.
Approval
Employer approval will be granted upon supervisor's receipt of certification and documentation of agency request. The Disaster Service Volunteer Leave Act states that, "Leave under this act shall not be unreasonably denied for services related to a disaster within the United States or its territories."
Length of Leave
Eligible employees may be granted up to 20 work days paid leave in any 12 month period to participate in disaster relief for a level III or above disaster at the request of the Red Cross or IEMA. Leave time is for 20 days; holidays do not extend the allowable leave maximum.
Benefits Continuation
While on Disaster Service Volunteer Leave, employees continue to receive the same State and University benefits as when actively working. All State-paid contributions continue.
Compensation
Compensation is at the regular rate of pay for regular hours during which the employee is absent. Leave is granted without loss of seniority, pay, vacation time, compensatory time, personal days, sick time, or earned overtime accumulation.