Supporting Fellow Union Members Through the Leave Donation Program
As the end of the leave year approaches, Local 17 is reminding members of an important way to support colleagues facing challenging times. If you have unused annual leave, consider donating via Local 17’s Leave Donation Program to help a fellow Union member in need.
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What is “Use or Lose” Leave?
“Use or lose” annual leave refers to any accrued leave exceeding 240 hours—the limit for federal employees. Any leave over this limit will be forfeited if not used by the end of the leave year, which for 2025 is Saturday, January 11. Most employees, however, aim to finalize their leave by Friday, January 10, since weekends are non-working days for many. Submit leave requests by Friday, November 29, 2024, to ensure timely processing.
How the Leave Donation Program Works
Local 17 facilitates the official Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP) exclusively for union members. This Leave Donation Program allows members to support each other in meaningful ways. Here’s how it works:
- Members in Need: If you’re facing personal challenges and need donated leave, email Douglas Massey, Local 17 President, at douglas.massey@va.gov. Include details you’re comfortable sharing and specify the HR contact for processing, if possible. If needed, Doug can also help you figure out how to fill out the official OPM Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP) forms. There are three different forms available:
- Application to Become a Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program: This form is for those who need to apply to receive donated leave.
- Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (Within Agency): Use this form if you wish to donate leave to someone within your own agency.
- Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (Outside Agency): Use this form if you wish to donate leave to someone in another federal agency. Doug will share your request with members who may be able to help.
- Members Willing to Donate: If you have unused leave to donate, contact Doug, who will guide you through Local 17’s Leave Donation Program process and connect you with a fellow member who truly needs and deserves your support.
Local 17 helps Union members complete the necessary OPM forms, including the correct VLTP forms, and spreads the word about the Leave Donation Program through direct emails to fellow members, increasing the chances that someone with unused leave will learn about the need and choose to donate.
A Proven Legacy of Support
Six years ago, Local 17 began advertising the need for leave donations, setting an example that has since been adopted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This effort underscores the power of Union solidarity and the critical role of the Leave Donation Program in making a real difference.
Exclusively for Union Members
This Leave Donation Program is exclusively for Union members. Not a member yet? Now is a great time to join! Union membership offers benefits like access to leave donation initiatives and connects you to colleagues advocating for workplace rights and benefits.
Take Action Today with the Leave Donation Program
- Members in Need: Email douglas.massey@va.gov with your leave donation request, including details and the HR contact if you have that information.
- Members Willing to Donate: Reach out to Doug to learn how you can support a fellow member through the Leave Donation Program.
- Join Local 17: Become part of a supportive community that stands together in times of need.
Together, we can make a difference. Join us in strengthening the bonds of community and care that define Local 17.
