Bonus Leave
Employee Distribution NC Office of State Human Resources October 2014
Policy Change for Bonus Leave
In August, 2014, Senate Bill 744 was signed by the
Governor. It granted eligible state employees an
additional five days of annual leave (i.e., bonus leave),
effective September 1, 2014. Previously, policy only
allowed Bonus Leave to be used after all vacation time
had been exhausted.
Most recently, the Bonus Leave policy (part of the
Vacation Leave policy) has undergone policy changes.
The changes were approved at the October 9
th
State
Human Resources Commission and by the Governor.
They allow bonus leave to be used prior to vacation
leave and outlines the provisions for administering this
leave benefit.
For more information on the Bonus leave policy, please
click on the below link.
http://www.oshr.nc.gov/Guide/Policies/5_Leave/Vacation
%20Leave.pdf
IMPORTANT NOTE
Bonus leave is very different from Special Leave previously granted in FY 2012-2013
and FY 2013-2014. The table below shows the differences.
INSTRUCTIONS For Requesting Bonus Leave
(in place of Vacation)
Bonus Leave is requested consistent with Vacation
Leave. However, it is important to let your Supervisor/
Manager know that the bonus leave requested will take
the place of vacation.
Your HR representative will ensure that the proper form
and/or actions are completed to reduce your Bonus
Leave accrual.
Questions & Answers
Q: Can employees change vacation requests already submitted/exhausted to reflect bonus instead?
A: Yes, but only vacation used beginning 9/1/14 may be submitted for change. No changes prior to 9/1/14 can be made.
Q: Are employees only allowed to replace vacation usage with the 40 bonus leave hours granted this FY 2014-2015?
A: No, all bonus leave hours (up to 240) are available to replace vacation usage.
Q: Is there a specific time frame to submit retroactive changes for bonus leave?
A: Yes, all retroactive requests must be submitted by November 20, 2014.
Q: Are employees only allowed to replace vacation usage with the 40 bonus leave hours granted this FY 2014-2015?
A: No, all bonus leave hours (up to 240) are available to replace vacation usage.
Q: Can Bonus Leave be used before earned compensatory time?
A: No, Bonus Leave shall be used after all earned compensatory time.
SPECIAL LEAVE
BONUS LEAVE
Does it Expire?
YES
NO
Does it pay out
upon separation?
NO
Only in the case of retirement
YES
Can it be used before
exhausting comp time?
YES
NO
Can you Donate this
leave as VSL?
NO
YES
Additional questions and concerns should be directed to your local HR Representatives.