A. A department director may approve a leave of absence without pay for such reasons up to a maximum of 30 calendar days.

B. A leave of absence without pay in excess of 30 days under PCC 3.80.010.B and 3.80.010.C may be granted after the employee has worked for Pierce County for at least 26 accruable pay cycles. However, a leave of absence without pay may be granted to employees with less than 26 accruable pay cycles upon the recommendation of the department director and approval of the Human Resources Director if they consider the leave to be in the best interest of the County. Leaves of absence without pay in excess of 30 days under PCC 3.80.010.A, 3.80.010.D, 3.80.010.E, and 3.80.010.F may be approved without regard for completion of 26 accruable pay cycles. All leaves of absence without pay in excess of 30 days require the approval of both the department director and the Human Resources Director.

C. Employees requesting a leave of absence without pay under the provisions of PCC 3.80.010.A, 3.80.010.B, 3.80.010.C, and 3.80.010.F must have exhausted all accrued vacation, accrued compensatory time, accrued personal holiday, or accrued furlough days, prior to utilizing any approved leave of absence without pay except if the employee is on State PFML. (See PCC 3.52.040.A.3.d* regarding furlough leave.)