Section 600.626  Continuous Service

a)         Definition:

1)         Continuous service is the uninterrupted period of service from the date of original appointment to State service.

2)         Employees who have previous State service which qualified for earning of vacation benefits shall be given credit for that service, as determined by the Office or as required by law.

b)         Interruptions in Continuous Service:  Continuous service shall be interrupted by:

1)         Resignation; provided, however, that continuous service will not be interrupted by resignation when an employee is employed in another position in State service within four (4) calendar days of resignation;

2)         Discharge; provided, however, continuous service shall not be interrupted if the employee is retained in the position after a hearing before the Grievance Review Committee or other administrative review process, or by a court; and

3)         Termination; because an employee has not been reemployed within 1 year after layoff.

c)         Deductions from Continuous Service:  Except as provided in subsection (f) below, the following shall be deducted from, but shall not interrupt, continuous service:

1)         Time away from work for any leave of absence without pay totaling more than thirty (30) days in any twelve-month period;

2)         Time away from work because of disciplinary suspensions totaling more than thirty (30) days in any twelve-month period;

3)         Time away from work because of indeterminate layoff.

d)         Veterans Continuous Service:  Leaves of absence shall be granted to all employees who leave their positions and enter military service for five (5) years or less (exclusive of any additional service imposed pursuant to law).  An employee shall be restored to the same or similar position on making an application within 90 days after separation from active duty or from hospitalization or convalescence continuing after discharge of not more than two years.  The employee must provide evidence of satisfactory completion of training and military service when making application and be qualified to perform the duties of the position.  Continuous service and reemployment rights for veterans subject to federal law shall be as provided in the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (38 USC 4301-4333).

e)         Peace Corps or Job Corps Enrollees Continuous Service:  Any employee who volunteers and is accepted for service in the overseas or domestic Peace Corps or Job Corps shall be given a leave of absence from his or her State employment for the duration of his or her initial period of service and be restored to the same or similar position provided that the employee returns to his or her employment within ninety (90) days of the termination of his or her service or release from hospitalization from a service Peace Corps or Job Corps connected disability.

f)         Accrual and Retention of Continuous Service During Certain Leaves:  During an absence for family and medical, educational, administrative, military, Peace Corps or Job Corps, disaster service volunteer or service-connected disability leaves, an employee shall retain and accrue continuous service provided appropriate application and return is made as required by this Subpart.

(Source:  Amended at 33 Ill. Reg. 1704, effective March 10, 2009)