====== Time Off & Sick Leave Policy ======

This policy applies to all employees of McFiler’s & The Hub (Washington State).  
We comply with Washington’s Paid Sick Leave law and provide a clear process for requesting **unpaid time off** (non-sick), which requires advance notice.

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===== 1) Washington Paid Sick Leave (Required by Law) =====
  * Accrual: Earn **at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked**.
  * When it starts: Accrual begins **on your first day of employment**.
  * When you can use it: You may begin using accrued sick leave **after 90 calendar days** of employment.
  * Carryover: Up to **40 hours** of unused sick leave carries over into the next year.
  * Pay rate: Sick leave is paid at your **normal hourly compensation**.
  * You cannot be required to find a replacement as a condition of using paid sick leave.
  * Acceptable uses include:
    - Your own illness/injury or preventive care.
    - Care of a **family member** for illness/injury or preventive care.
    - Workplace/school/child-care closure due to a public health emergency.
    - “Safe time” (domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking) for you or a family member.

> For foreseeable medical appointments, give reasonable notice; for sudden illness, notify your Manager as soon as possible **before** your shift when feasible. For absences of **3+ consecutive workdays**, verification (e.g., doctor’s note) may be requested consistent with WA law.

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===== 2) Unpaid Time Off (Non-Sick) =====
McFiler’s & The Hub **do not provide paid vacation time**. Employees may request **unpaid time off** (UTO) for personal needs.

**Notice & Requests**
  * Submit UTO requests **2–3 weeks in advance** (earlier is better) using the Time Off Request process (see below).
  * Approval depends on business needs, staffing levels, and event schedules.
  * **Blackout dates** may apply (major events, holidays, high-volume periods).

**Priority & Conflicts**
  * First-come, first-served when coverage allows.
  * Seniority and role requirements may be considered to maintain operations.
  * Approved UTO is not paid and **does not** reduce your sick leave balance.

**Shift Trades**
  * Shift swaps may be used to help coverage, but **must be approved** by the Manager on Duty/GM **before** the swap is effective.

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===== 3) How to Request Time Off =====
1. Submit a request in writing to your Manager in the respective business' group chat.  
2. Include: dates/times, reason (sick vs. unpaid personal), and any coverage plan (optional).  
3. Timing:
   * **Unpaid personal time:** submit **≥ 2–3 weeks** in advance.
   * **Sick leave:** notify **as soon as practical**; for foreseeable appointments, provide reasonable advance notice.
4. Management will approve/deny based on staffing needs and confirm within **3 business days** when possible.
5. Approved time will be reflected in the schedule and payroll records (for paid sick leave usage).

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===== 4) Recordkeeping & Balances =====
  * Each pay period you’ll see hours worked, sick leave accrued, sick leave used, and current sick balance.
  * Unpaid time off does not accrue and is not paid.

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===== 5) Separation, Rehire, and Protections =====
  * Unused **paid sick leave is not cashed out** at separation (except where required by law).
  * If rehired within **12 months**, previously accrued, unused sick leave will be **reinstated**.
  * **No retaliation**: Employees will not face discipline for properly using paid sick leave for lawful purposes. Misuse or fraud may result in discipline.

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===== 6) Questions =====
If you have questions about your sick leave balance, making a request, or blackout dates, contact your Manager or HR.

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✨ Summary:  
- **Paid Sick Leave:** Earned and usable under WA law; paid at your normal rate; carry over up to 40 hours.  
- **Vacation Pay:** **Not provided.**  
- **Unpaid Time Off:** Allowed with **2–3 weeks’ advance notice** and management approval based on business needs.