Employees hired prior to the ratification date and still in their first year of employment will accrue biweekly at ninety-six (96) hours annual rate per year. Those in their second year through fourth year will accrue biweekly at one hundred twenty (120) hours annual rate per year. When in the fifth year and subsequent years the rate schedule above applies. Current employees shall have their vacation benefits grandfathered so as to not cause them to suffer any loss of vacation accumulation.
At least ten (10) of these days must be consecutive if requested by the employee.
Vacation may not be scheduled immediately prior to retirement or other termination.