Q. I’m planning to retire early this year. After carrying a 240-hour leave balance into 2012, I’d like to work until mid-February, then use up the 240-plus hours of leave until I return to the office on my separation date the last Friday of March. Over the past five years, my unit has consistently hassled me when I request leave well in advance of the desired dates; I’ve reason to be concerned it could be much worse this time.
My question(s): Is an employee entitled to take earned leave in this way, as a sort of “terminal leave?” Can an organization refuse to allow leave, thus forcing an employee to lose thousands of dollars of earned benefits? What, if any, are the rules for such situations?
A. No, there is no provision in law or regulation that would entitle you to take “terminal leave.”
