Note: The following questions and answers apply to general government
non-represented employees only. General government and higher education represented employees should contact their HR office or designated union representative. HR professionals who have questions related to represented employees or union representatives should contact their agency labor relations representative within the Labor Relations Office. Higher education non-represented employees should contact their HR office for information regarding the impact of ESSB 5860.
1. What is TSR leave and who will earn it?
Temporary Salary Reduction (TSR) leave is a separate type of paid leave. Qualified employees who are subject to the 3% salary reduction will earn TSR leave each month.
2. If I am a full-time employee how much TSR leave will I earn?
Full-time employees who are subject to the 3% salary reduction and who have been in pay status for 80 non-overtime hours in a calendar month will accrue 5.2 hours of TSR leave each month.
3. If I am a part-time employee how much TSR leave will I earn?
Part-time employees who are subject to the 3% salary reduction will accrue TSR leave proportionate to the number of hours the part-time employee is in pay status during the month to that required for full-time employment. This is calculated the same manner vacation and sick leave accruals are calculated for part-time employees.
4. If I am a part-time employee will TSR leave be included in determining the part-time hours for seniority purposes?
For part-time general government employees seniority dates are calculated by determining the number of actual hours worked and/or in paid status, excluding compensatory time off. Since TSR leave is paid leave the TSR leave hours will count towards seniority.
5. Will I be able to accrue a TSR leave balance? If so, what is the maximum number of hours I can accrue before I’m required to use it?
Employees will be able to accrue a TSR leave balance. There is no limit to the number of hours accrued. See question #10 for information on when TSR leave has to be used.
6. When will I accrue TSR leave?
Starting July 1, 2011 full-time employees will accrue TSR leave after being in paid status for 80 non-overtime hours during the month. Part-time employees will accrue TSR leave at the end of each month on a pro-rata basis.
7. Will my TSR leave balance show on my earnings statement?
Yes. The new TSR leave will be displayed on the earnings statement.
8. Can I use accrued TSR leave during the first six months of my probationary period?
An employee may use TSR leave during the first six months of employment.
9. When I request to use TSR leave will I follow the same procedure I do when I request to use vacation or sick leave?
Your agency will establish procedures for requesting the use of TSR leave.
10. Does TSR leave have to be used before all other types of paid leave such as vacation leave, sick leave, compensatory time, personal holiday, or exchange time?
There is no requirement for TSR leave to be used prior to other types of paid leave unless the employer specifies otherwise.
11. Does accrued TSR leave have to be used before I can receive shared leave?
Employees who qualify for shared leave must use all accrued TSR leave before receiving shared leave.
12. Can I donate my TSR leave to another state employee?
TSR leave cannot be donated as shared leave or to a shared leave pool.
13. Is there a specific date by which I have to use all my TSR leave?
TSR leave must be used before July 1, 2013; however, employees may carry forward up to 16 hours of TSR leave that must be used before September 1, 2013.
14. Will the TSR leave count towards my 240 hours maximum vacation leave accrual?
TSR leave is a separate type of paid leave and will not be included in the 240 hours maximum vacation leave.
15. If I have a TSR leave balance and separate from state service will I be cashed out for my TSR leave?
TSR leave cannot be cashed out.
16. If I have a TSR leave balance and move to a different job with a different state employer will my TSR leave balance transfer to the new agency?
If an employee has a TSR leave balance and accepts an appointment with a different employer (without a break in service) the employee’s TSR leave balance will transfer to the new employer provided the position is eligible for TSR leave.
17. How will supervisors/managers track the use of TSR leave for employees?
Supervisors/managers should use the same method for tracking the use of TSR leave as they do today for other leave types. Agencies can use the ZHR_RPTTM084, Attendance Report to track the use of the TSR leave or to review the TSR leave balances for their employees.
18. What will be the last accrual date in which I must exhaust TSR leave before it is no longer available?
All but 16 hours of TSR leave including the June 2013 accrual, will expire on June 30, 2013. The remaining 16 hours must be used prior to September 1, 2013.
19. If I have a TSR leave balance when I separate from state service will the TSR leave be reinstated if I am reemployed before June 13, 2013? (posted 8/11/11)
No. There is nothing in law or rule that allows TSR leave to be reinstated upon reemployment.