Article 22
Educational Development/Community Service Opportunities
Section 1. Purposes
Extended leave without pay (LWOP) may be granted for personal development
and/or community service when one of the following benefits would result:
a. For educational purposes when the course of study or research is in line
with a type of work performed by the Agency and would contribute to the
mission of the Agency; or
b. For temporary service to a non-Federal public or private enterprise and
when one or both of the following will result:
(1) the service performed will contribute to the public welfare; and/or
(2) the experience gained by the employee will serve the interests of the
employing Agency.
Except in unusual circumstances or in furtherance of a program of interest to the
Government (e.g., Peace Corps), DOL Agencies will not initially approve extended
LWOP for any period in excess of 52 weeks.
Section 2. Approval
As a condition for Management’s approval of extended LWOP, there should be a
reasonable expectation that the employee will return to duty at the end of the
LWOP and that the absence will not adversely impact the Agency’s mission. The
employee will submit an advance request commensurate with the length of
absence being requested.
Section 3. Community Service
It is recognized that the Department has discretion to excuse employees from their
duties without loss of pay or charge to leave to participate in community service
activities when the absence is brief and is determined to be in the interest of the
Agency. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Department to balance support
for employees’ volunteer activities with the need to ensure that employees’ work
requirements are fulfilled and that Agency operations are conducted efficiently and
effectively.
Section 4. Recall to Work
Extended absences of leave may be terminated by Management upon a 30-day
written notice to the employee. Terminations will be based upon mission needs.
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