The NRLCA has received clarification on the Leave Carry Over MOU allowing rural carriers to carry over 65 days into the 2021 Leave Year and how it will affect payouts of annual leave at retirement. It is very important that rural carriers understand this if they intend to retire close to the end of the year.
If the carrier retires before January 2, 2021 (the beginning of the new leave year) they will be able to cash out a maximum of 55 days of annual leave-just like always.
If the carrier retires between January 2, 2021 and December 31, 2021 and carries over up to 65 days of annual leave into the 2021 Leave Year, then they would be eligible for a cash out of up to 65 days of annual leave at retirement. Of course, this is all dependent on how many days they actually have credited as of the date of retirement.
So, in short, any rural carrier who retires before the 2021 Leave Year begins on January 2, 2021 will be limited to a cash out of 55 days of annual leave. If they work into the next leave year and take advantage of the MOU to carry over up to 65 days, then they would be eligible to cash out up to 65 days-as long as they retire before January 1, 2022.
Clarification on MOU Increasing Leave Carry-Over for Those Planning Retirement