G.1.3 Attendance and Punctuality

Marine Biological Laboratory
Policy No. G.1.3

Human Resources

Initiated by:Director of Human Resources
Approved by:MBL Director/CEO
Date:December 3, 1989
Revision:#1, January 6, 2005
Distribution:All MBL Supervisors

1.0 Policy:
It is the policy of the MBL to require good attendance and punctuality on the part of its employees. Unauthorized or excessive absences or tardiness will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

2.0 Employees are expected to report for work whenever scheduled and to be at their work station at the starting time and at the prescribed time after rest and meal breaks.

3.0 Employees should notify their supervisor as far in advance as possible whenever they are unable to report for work or know they will be late. Such notification should include a reason for the absence or lateness and an indication of when the employee can be expected to report for work. If the supervisor is unavailable, employees should contact the Human Resources Department. Failure to notify the MBL of any absence or delay will normally result in loss of compensation during the absence or delay and may be grounds for disciplinary action.

4.0 Employees may be compensated during authorized absences in accordance with the policies contained in the Sick Time, Vacation, and Leave of Absence Policies.

5.0 Employees who are delayed in reporting for work will be paid only for the time they actually work unless they are salaried, exempt employees. (See Policy G.1.18)

6.0 Employees are expected to report for work during inclement weather conditions if the MBL does not declare an emergency closing. Those employees who are unable to report because of weather conditions will be granted an authorized unpaid absence, or at the employee’s request, one vacation day from available accrual. Employees who are late because of weather conditions will be given a chance to make up their missed time if work schedules and conditions permit.

7.0 Employees will not be required or permitted to work any period of time before or after scheduled starting or quitting times for the purpose of making up time lost due to tardiness, unauthorized absence, authorized absence, or any other reason if the result will be that the employee works more than forty hours during the work week, unless authorized by a Supervisor.

8.0 Employees must report to their supervisor after being late or absent, give an explanation of the circumstances surrounding their tardiness or absence, and certify that they are able to work. The supervisor should record the information for the employee’s file. When appropriate, the supervisor should counsel the employee on the importance of good attendance and warn that excessive tardiness or absences, regardless of the causes, will lead to progressive discipline, up to and including termination.

9.0 Employees who are absent from work for two consecutive days without giving proper notice to the MBL, unless authorized by a Supervisor, will be considered as having voluntarily terminated.

10.0 Policy Clarification and Updates:
Policy clarification and updates are available in the Human Resources office.