Definitions: "Family member" is defined as the teacher's spouse (includes both married and unmarried couples, of the same sex or the opposite sex), parent, step-parent, foster parent, child, step-child, foster child, grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild or step-grandchild of the employee or the employee's spouse, the spouse of the employee's child, a brother or sister of the employee or a relative of the employee who is dependent on the employee for care or assistance.
"Urgent matter" - an event that is unplanned or out of the employee's control, and raises the possibility of serious negative consequences, including emotional harm, if not responded to.
8.06 a) A teacher may request up to a maximum of five (5) days of their accrued sick time per fiscal year be designated as personal emergency leave for urgent matters of the teacher or a teacher's family member.
8.0.6 b) A teacher who wishes to take personal emergency leave shall advise the Employer in advance wherever possible that he or she shall be doing so. If, due to the nature of the circumstances giving rise to the leave, it is necessary for the teacher to begin the leave before advising the Employer, the teacher shall advise the Employer of the leave as soon as possible after beginning it.
8.06 c) The Employer may require a teacher who takes personal emergency leave to provide evidence reasonable in the circumstances that the teacher is entitled to the leave.
8.06 d) A request for personal emergency leave shall be denied if the requested day is adjacent to a holiday or vacation day. The Employer reserves the right to deviate from this provision if the circumstances surrounding the request warrant special consideration.
8.06 e) Personal emergency leave shall not be divided into less than one-half (1/2) day units.