6109.11
Page 1 of 1
FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
GREEN MOUNTAIN & FINGER LAKES NF (REGION 9)
RUTLAND, VT
FSH 6109.11- PAY ADMINISTRATION, ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE HANDBOOK.
CHAPTER 30 – ABSENCE AND LEAVE
Supplement No.: R9 GMFL 6109.11-2008-1
Effective Date: January ??, 2010
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: JERRI MARR
Forest Supervisor
Date Approved: 1/??/10
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this supplement.
Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to this Handbook
was R9 GMFL 6109.11-2005-1.
New Document
R9 GMFL 6109.11-2008-1
3 Pages
Superseded Document(s)
R9 GMFL 6109.11-2005-1
2 Pages
Digest:
38
Changes chapter to align with National update. Establishes policy and
guidelines for office closures due to inclement weather.
R9 GMFL SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/??/2010
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
6109.11
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FSH 6109.11 – PAY ADMINISTRATION, ATTENDANCE, AND LEAVE HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 30 – ABSENCE AND LEAVE
38 - ADMINISTRATIVE RELEASE OF EMPLOYEES
The first priority for work operations is always safety. Weather can create road conditions which
compromise safe driving in areas where employees live or at their duty station. It is the
responsibility of the individual employee to determine if it is safe to commute to work. Employees
who are uncertain of driving conditions are advised to contact the local winter storm phone line for
travel guidance and use maxiflex at their discretion. Maxiflex, liberal granting of annual leave and
work-at-home are always encouraged if the employee feels that it is unsafe to travel.
The policy for determining office closure and administrative release of employees during
inclement weather conditions will be as follows:
Office Closure - Prior to Normal Work Hours
When a hazardous commuting advisory is necessary prior to normal office/work hours, the Forest
Supervisor / District Ranger, or Acting will determine if offices should be closed and will provide
an announcement posted on the main office phone by 6:30 am. Employees will be guided by
whatever instructions are issued in this message.
Delay in Arrival or Early Dismissal Due to Weather Conditions
If the Forest Supervisor / District Ranger, or Acting issues a delayed opening or early dismissal,
administrative leave will be granted for that period of time. For example: if a 2-hour delay is
enacted and your normal work hours start at 8:00 a.m., you will be expected to be at work by 10:00
a.m. You will be granted administrative leave from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.
If there is a delay in arrival time and the employee, with team approval, elects to stay at home that
day rather than drive to work, annual leave or credit hours (under maxiflex) must be used by the
employee for the entire day. If the employee elects to stay at home and work with prior team
approval, hours worked will not be charged against annual leave or credit hours.
Other Guidelines:
An understanding between the Forest Supervisor / District Ranger, or Acting and the front office
personnel needs to be made in advance as to the opening of the office in the event of inclement
weather when no office closure/delay is in effect. Arrangements need to be made in advance and
on an office by office basis so that front desk coverage is provided for.
When early dismissals or late arrivals apply, administrative leave may not be granted to employees
already in leave status, e.g., annual, sick, leave without pay, etc. on the day concerned. An excused
absence is appropriate for the remainder of the workday following the employee’s authorized time
of dismissal even if the employee is scheduled to take leave later in the day.
If the office you’re scheduled to work at is closed you should also call your home unit to determine
if it is open or closed. This also applies if your home unit is closed – check to see if the office you
are scheduled to work at is open or closed.
R9 GMFL SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/??/2010
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
6109.11
Page 3 of 3
FSH 6109.11 – PAY ADMINISTRATION, ATTENDANCE, AND LEAVE HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 30 – ABSENCE AND LEAVE
Guidelines for Granting Administrative Leave for Forest Supervisor / District Ranger, or
Acting:
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Use the above guidelines for granting leave.
To determine if offices should be closed/delayed opening the Forest Supervisor / District
Ranger, or Acting will check with the local winter storm phone line for travel guidance.
Document in writing the reason for granting administrative leave and ensure that all employees
understand the conditions under which the leave is granted.
Employees will be given the opportunity to use their annual leave/maxiflex if they feel they
need more time to travel to or from work during extreme weather conditions.
In extreme situations, the Forest Supervisor / District Ranger, or Acting has the authority to
grant administrative leave on a case-by-case basis.