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Council adopts voluntary furlough pilot for nonunion full‑time employees
Summary
The council adopted a voluntary furlough pilot (through Dec. 31, 2026) allowing nonunion full‑time employees to request unpaid time off up to 80 hours per year, subject to supervisor approval and FLSA compliance for exempt employees.
The Marshall City Council adopted a voluntary furlough pilot policy for nonunion full‑time employees after a staff presentation explaining the proposal.
Human Resources Director Sheila Dubs described the pilot as a 15‑month program expiring Dec. 31, 2026, that would let employees request unpaid time off ranging from one hour to 80 hours in a calendar year. The policy permits furlough time to be taken in blocks or as single hours; supervisors must approve requests and staff said the policy must not create overtime either for the furloughed employee or for coworkers who would backfill.
Dubs noted that, to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act, exempt (salaried) employees approved for furlough time would be temporarily reclassified to nonexempt for the week in which furlough time was taken and returned to exempt status the first workweek without furlough time. The pilot would initially exclude union employees; staff will contact the AFSCME business agent to determine interest and, if AFSCME members opt in, a memorandum of agreement would be brought to council.
Council members asked about emergency call‑back scenarios. A council member asked whether an employee on approved furlough could be called back during an emergency (for example a major storm). Dubs said the city would address emergencies as needed and consult legal counsel on specific circumstances, reiterating the requirement to comply with FLSA rules.
The council voted to adopt the pilot. Staff said the program would be monitored and could be considered for incorporation into the personnel policy manual in 2026 if successful.
Ending: Human Resources and administration will notify employees and coordinate any union discussions; staff will report back on participation and budgetary impact if the program continues.
