Getting to know your AMEA - Vacation time!

Dear AMEA member,

This month's “Getting to know your AMEA” topic will be on vacation time. A number of studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and psychological health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals, according to Allinahealth.org. 

Here's what our MOU says about vacation time for full-time workers:

ARTICLE 40 - VACATION

40.1 Regular, full-time employees with an average workweek of forty (40) hours shall receive annual vacation with pay in accordance with the following provisions:

40.1.1 For the first four (4) years of continuous, full-time service, employees shall accrue paid vacation at the rate of four (4) hours for each complete biweekly pay period plus two (2) hours of paid vacation at the close of the final complete biweekly pay period of each fiscal year (106 hours or 13.25 working days per year).

40.1.2 Upon completion of four (4) years of continuous, full-time service, such employees shall accrue paid vacation at the rate of five (5) hours for each complete biweekly pay period (130 hours or 16.25 working days per year).

40.1.3 Upon completion of eight (8) years of continuous, full-time service, such employees shall accrue paid vacation at the rate of six (6) hours for each complete biweekly pay period (156 hours or 19.5 working days per year).

40.1.4 Upon completion of fourteen (14) years of continuous, full-time service, such employees shall accrue paid vacation at the rate of seven (7) hours for each complete biweekly pay period (182 hours or 22.75 working days per year).

40.1.5 Upon completion of nineteen (19) years of continuous, full-time service, such employees shall accrue paid vacation at the rate of eight (8) hours for each complete biweekly pay period (208 hours or 26 working days per year).

40.1.6 Upon completion of twenty-four (24) years of continuous, full-time service, such employees shall accrue paid vacation at the rate of nine (9) hours for each complete biweekly pay period (234 hours or 29.25 working days per year).

Part-time workers:

ARTICLE 36 - VACATION BENEFIT

36.1 Effective January 2010, an employee who works eleven hundred (1,100) or more hours in the prior calendar year will be given each January a lump sum “vacation payment” of one percent (1%) of their annual gross earnings (calendar year defined as the period for which wages earned are reported for tax purposes). The PARTIES agree that this provision shall survive the term of this MOU absent mutual agreement to the contrary.

36.2 Effective the pay period beginning December 30, 2016, an employee who works eleven hundred (1,100) or more hours in the prior calendar year will be given each January a lump sum “vacation payment” of three percent (3%) of their annual gross earnings (calendar year defined as the period for which wages earned are reported for tax purposes).

It's also important to remember vacation isn't a benefit employers choose to give to their workers, public or private. Time-off had to be bargained for by AMEA members just like you. 

Enjoy your vacation!

Publication Date: August 5, 2020