Independence Township amends sick-leave policy to conform with New Jersey law

The Independence Township Committee on July 8 adopted Resolution 25-52 to update the township Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual’s sick-leave policy so it conforms with New Jersey law. The change clarifies allowable uses of sick leave, accrual rates, verification requirements and retirement payout rules.

The resolution incorporates the uses enumerated in N.J.S.A. 34:11D-1, including time for an employee’s diagnosis, care or recovery from illness; caring for a family member; services or relocation related to domestic violence; closures or public-health emergencies; and certain school-related events for an employee’s child. The policy states full-time employees are entitled to 15 working sick days per calendar year and that sick leave may be used in half- or full-day increments.

On retirement, accrued sick leave payment may be made only at the time of retirement. For employees hired before Dec. 31, 2009, the resolution specifies a retiring employee is entitled to be paid either the value of accumulated sick days as of Dec. 31, 2009 (if that amount is not exceeded at retirement) or one-half the value of accumulated sick days at retirement up to a $15,000 maximum, whichever is greater. For employees hired after Dec. 31, 2009, full-time employees are eligible for payment of one-half of accumulated sick days up to a $15,000 cap; additional days are forfeited upon retirement. Payment is calculated using the employee’s regular rate of pay at retirement, and the resolution notes payment may be deferred until the following budget year if deemed necessary by the township.

Part-time employees accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, may use accrued sick time once earned, and are subject to a 40-hour accrual/carryforward cap; part-time employees are not eligible for compensation for unused sick time at retirement. The policy requires employees absent five or more consecutive work days to submit a doctor’s verification; similar verification is required when attending to an immediate family member. The resolution also establishes notification expectations for absences and states that abuse of sick leave may result in disciplinary action up to termination.

The resolution was adopted as part of the committee’s consent agenda and will be filed with the township clerk and distributed to employees. Mr. Pennington moved to approve the consent agenda; Mrs. Gesumaria seconded, and the committee recorded unanimous ayes.