Currently, per the District’s employee handbook section 5.21 (Exhibit A) and union contracts (Exhibit B), employees must use bereavement leave within six months of a death in the family.

On March 24, the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order was issued by Governor Inslee, which includes bans on gatherings for weddings and funerals. The guidance has evolved since the original order and, as of September 16, it now caps these gatherings at 30 people or 25% of venue occupancy, whichever is less.

With these limits on gatherings within Washington State, employees who have lost loved ones during this time are not able to attend services with other friends and family members. We ask that during this time we allow employees to use their bereavement time when needed for any deaths occurring since March 24, and extend to six months after the restrictions for gatherings are lifted and returned to full capacity within the state. If an employee needs to attend services outside the state, we ask that the Administrative Officer be authorized to approve the usage on a case-by-case basis.

Consistent with Resolution 19-20 and the revised Division of Responsibilities (10/8/19), the Board of Health has authority over the Health District budget.

MOVE TO authorize the Administrative Officer to approve extension of usage of bereavement leave beyond six months as currently listed in the Employee Handbook and bargaining unit contracts.