Leaves of Absence

Members often ask what kind of leave are they entitled to take.  Paid and unpaid time off comes in various categories.  Depending on a member’s title and years of service, a member may be entitled to additional paid or unpaid time off.  All time off is commonly referred to as leave time.

Annual Leave

Also called vacation time, annual leave is paid days off that you accrue over time. Your accrual rate (measured in hours) is based upon the hours in your typical work week and years of service. A typical member begins earning 3 weeks per year when they start, which increases gradually to the maximum of 5 1/2 weeks at the beginning of their 17th year of service. New hires can begin using their accrued annual leave after completing 4 months of service. NOTE: Members who started working before July 1, 2004 reached the maximum faster. (Citywide Contract, Article V, Sec. 1 & 3)

Sick Leave

Members earn 10 sick days per year for the first five years as an employee. After five years, all members earn the equivalent of 12 sick days per year. NOTE: Members can use 3 sick days per year to take care of an ill family member. (2002-2005 DC 37 Settlement Summary)

Paid Family Leave

Added in our 2019 Economic Agreement, PFL provides partial pay (67% of weekly pay, capped at 67% of NYS average; click here for current caps) for up to 12 wks to bond with a new child, caring for an ill family member or assist family during military deployment. Time may be used continuously or intermittently (full-day units). Job security and all insurance programs continue throughout leave, though payment comes through the employer's PFL insurance carrier or administrator, not through payroll. All members are eligible after completing 6 months of service. Applications go through the employer's insurance carrier, which is listed in the employer's HR website. (DCAS FAQ here and additional details in Personnel Services Bulletin 440-16)

Bereavement Leave

Members are entitled to take time off with pay not to exceed four days due to the death of a spouse, domestic partner, parent including foster and step parent, child, brother, sister, mother- or father-in-law, grandchild or other relative residing in the house. The death of grandparents of employees are not covered unless they reside in the same house. (Citywide Contract, Article V Sec. 21 & Leave Regulations for Career and Salary Plan Rule 4.0)

Child Care Leave

Any member is entitled to leave without pay at the birth or adoption of a child up to 4 years of age up to 48 months. Members can continue in pay status utilizing their annual leave or compensatory time prior to taking the child care leave. (Citywide Contract, Article V Sec. 20)

Terminal Leave

As of July 1st 2004 any member upon final separation of service shall be granted leave with pay for any employee who has ten years of service, on the basis of one day of terminal leave for every 3 days of sick leave to a maximum of 120 days. (Citywide Contract, Article V Sec. 17 & 2002-2005 DC 37 Settlement Summary)