(1) For a full-time general government employee, the seniority date is the employee's most recent date of hire into state service (including exempt service) as adjusted for any period of leave without pay which exceeds 15 consecutive calendar days except when the leave without pay is taken for:

(a) Military leave as provided in WAC 357-31-370;

(b) Compensable work-related injury or illness leave;

(c) Government service leave not to exceed two years and one month;

(d) Educational leave, contingent upon successful completion of the coursework;

(e) Reducing the effects of layoff;

(f) Leave without pay as authorized by a proclamation issued by the governor directly related to health and safety; and/or

(g) Leave for service in an elective office or legislative service as provided in WAC 357-31-374.

(2) When an employee is on leave without pay for more than 15 consecutive calendar days and the absence is not due to one of the reasons listed above, the employee's seniority date must be moved forward in an amount equal to the number of calendar days on leave without pay.

(3) For a part-time general government employee, the seniority date is calculated by determining the number of actual hours worked and/or in paid status, excluding compensatory time off. Actual hours worked includes overtime hours regardless of whether or not the employee receives monetary payment or compensatory time for the hours worked. Time spent in leave without pay status is not credited unless the leave without pay is taken for:

(a) Military leave as provided in WAC 357-31-370;

(b) Compensable work-related injury or illness leave;

(c) Government service leave not to exceed two years and one month;

(d) Educational leave, contingent upon successful completion of the coursework;

(e) Reducing the effects of layoff;

(f) Leave without pay as authorized by a proclamation issued by the governor directly related to health and safety; and/or

(g) Leave for service in an elective office or legislative service as provided in WAC 357-31-374.