The Employer agrees that leaves of absence with pay may be granted, upon receiving two (2) week's notice, to those employees who are selected by the Union to attend educational classes conducted by the Union. The number of employees to which such leave will be granted will not exceed five (5) at any one occasion, and the total number of working days used for this purpose shall not exceed twenty (20) per contract year. In addition, bargaining unit employees may be granted a maximum of fifteen (15) days time off without pay per contract year to serve as Officers and Committee Representatives for the Union.

All leaves of absence under this section must be approved by the employees' Department Head or designated representative.