In April, the Civil Service maximum accrual limit for vacation leave was temporarily lifted due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As we have begun the start of the new academic year and the gradual process of returning to on-site working, the maximum vacation accrual limit will be reinstated.
When will the vacation leave maximum accrual limit be reinstated?
The accrual limit will be reinstated as of September 20, 2020.
What will happen to my unused vacation leave balance that is near or over the maximum limit?
If your balance in over the maximum limit: Your unused vacation leave in excess of the max limit will still be available for you to use, but it will be moved into a separate leave category (VACC - Vacation Transfer Balance) from your regular vacation leave. In addition to moving any vacation balance you have accrued that exceeds the regular limit, we will also move 8% of your maximum amount into the separate category.
If your balance is close to the maximum limit: If you are within 92% of your maximum limit, we will move 8% of your maximum amount into the separate VACC leave category.
In both cases, the 8% is based on your maximum accrual limit according to your accrual schedule (A or B) and years of service. This will result in your regular vacation balance going below the maximum, which is intended to provide flexibility, so that you will not have to immediately take vacation time, if you do not want to, when the regular limit is reinstated. This will allow you time to use vacation leave before you would stop accruing again once you reach your max.
How do I use my vacation time from this separate category?
- You will select Vacation Transfer Balance on your timesheet (may show as earnings code VCC when updating hours in some systems). More information will be forthcoming for employees whose departments utilize separate timekeeping systems.
- You will also be able to view this separate balance on your online Earnings Statement.
- Until you use all vacation hours in the VACC category, you will have two categories of vacation time available for use – your regular accrual (VACA – Vacation) and this separate category (VACC – Vacation Transfer Balance).
- Remember, once the maximum accrual limit is reinstated, you will need to monitor and use your regular vacation leave balance again as normal – in addition to your VACC balance.
How long do I have to use this separate leave balance?
You will have an entire year, , to use any balance (accrued between April 5 and Sept. 19, 2020) that is held in the VACC leave category. You will receive email reminders to use this balance.
For those employees who are represented by a union, this will be implemented through the collective bargaining process.
Please direct any questions to your system or university HR office:
