Employees may take unpaid leave for reasons of faith or conscience

As per subsection 3 of RCW 1.16.050, Western Washington University employees may take leave without pay for up to two workdays per calendar year for a reason of faith or conscience or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church or religious organization. All Western employees are eligible for this leave.

Access to this leave without pay may be denied only if the employee's absence would impose an undue hardship on the organization or if the employee is necessary to maintain public safety.

Details  specific to various employee groups:

• Professional Staff Organization: An employee may use personal holiday or vacation leave in lieu of leave without pay. If  so, the leave request must indicate the leave is being used in lieu of leave without pay for a reason of faith or conscience.
• Washington Federation of State Employees (Bargaining Units A, B and E): Holidays of Faith and Conscience MOU
• Public School Employees (Bargaining Units D and PTE): Holidays of Faith and Conscience MOU
• United Faculty of Western Washington University: Holidays of Faith and Conscience MOU

This Special Leave Request Form is available for use of unpaid holidays for a reason of faith or conscience. Employees  should enter "Holiday of Faith and Conscience" in the "other" block on the form.

For more information, contact Melissa Reed in Human Resources at 360-650-7718.