Principles

Purpose

This policy permits Northeast Data to implement reductions in the workforce according to uniform criteria when it becomes necessary to reduce the number of employees or to reconfigure the work force.

Definitions

Below are some definitions that will set off this policy.

Abolishing Position - Discontinuing a position due to Northeast Data's needs based on funding or organizational changes. Classified employees in positions identified for abolishment will be considered for placement and layoff benefits according to the provision of this policy.

Demotion in Lieu of Layoff - On certain occasions, when an employee is removed from his or her position they may be placed to a different position in a lower pay band at Northeast Data. This can also include a change in the status of an employee's position from full-time to part-time status for these reasons.

Leave without pay layoff (Involuntary Separation) - Leave status of an employee who (1) was involuntarily separated from his or her position because the position was abolished. Leave without pay-layoff extends for 12 months from the layoff effective date, or until the employee is recalled or otherwise achieves placement in a position that is in a pay band equal to or higher than that of the employee's former position, or resigns, whichever is sooner.

Minimally Qualified - Employees who are determined by Northeast Data Management to (1) possess the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities (KSA's) and other legitimate job requirements as outlined in the Employee's Job description and (2) be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position after a six-month period of orientation in the new position.

Recall - The placement of an employee who is on leave without pay-layoff, or who has been demoted in lieu of layoff, into a position that is the employee's pre-layoff job.

1. Whenever it is necessary to reduce staff, the reduction will be accomplished through attrition, if at all possible.
• Any vacated positions will be filled first from within the department. Such internal replacements or promotions are not subject to the Affirmative Action posting requirements.
• Vacated positions not filled by internal department transfers will be filled from qualified current staff who respond to the posting, in accordance with established Northeast Data procedures.
2. Northeast Data, in order to avoid any layoff, may transfer a qualified regular employee to a vacancy.
3. As part of Northeast Data's commitment to Affirmative Action, no layoff shall be contrary to the Northeast Data's Affirmative Action goals and program. Any layoff decisions will be reviewed by the supervisor and manager of the department before being implemented.
4. Each person laid off is eligible for appropriate written notice. Sample written notice may be obtained from the Operations Department.
5. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to determine eligibility for Unemployment Compensation benefits. Such eligibility is determined solely by the Unemployment Agency (UA), based on statutes and Agency regulations.
6. Employee's on layoff status are covered on Health Insurance and Life / Disability (short term / long term) and dismemberment insurance only until the end of the current month that the employee is laid off If you return back to work, you will be asked to re-enroll into these company plans.