Employees who intend to absent themselves from work for the purpose of attending and participating in Union business functions or programs such as meetings, conventions, seminars, or to work for the Union on a temporary basis, may do so under the following conditions:
(1) Use accrued vacation leave;
(2) Take leave of absence without pay;
(3) Use accrued compensatory time;
(4) Use accrued holiday or personal holiday time.
The Union and/or the employee shall request leave approval from the affected employee's immediate supervisor as far in advance as possible but at least three (3) weeks prior to the planned absence for approval.