Page 51 - Employee Handbook January 1, 2025

discharge from active duty, or similar federal document, for purposes of determining
the employee’s eligibility for the benefit.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
At Big River, we understand that the loss of a loved one can be a difficult time, and
we are committed to supporting employees through such circumstances. Employees
are encouraged to take the time they need to grieve, attend memorial services, and
handle personal matters.

To accommodate these needs, employees will use their accrued or available Paid
Time Off (PTO) for bereavement purposes. This approach provides flexibility for
employees to determine the amount of time they need based on their individual
situation.

Employees should notify their manager or Human Resources as soon as possible
when requesting bereavement time off. If an employee has no accrued or available
PTO, they may request unpaid time off, subject to managerial approval.

While there is no standard amount of time required for bereavement, we encourage
employees to discuss their needs with their manager to determine a plan that
balances personal circumstances and work responsibilities.

We recognize that every situation is unique and will make efforts to support
employees during these challenging times.

ILLINOIS: CHILD EXTENDED BEREAVEMENT ACT
A full-time employee who has been employed for at least two (2) weeks is entitled to
use a maximum of six (6) weeks of unpaid leave if the employee experiences the loss
of a child by suicide or homicide.

"Child" includes the employee's biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild, a
legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis.

Child extended bereavement leave may be taken in a single continuous period or
intermittently in increments of no less than four (4) hours, but leave must be
completed within one (1) year after the employee notifies the Company of the loss.
The Company may require reasonable advance notice of the employee's intention to
take leave, unless providing such notice is not reasonable and practicable. The
Company also may require reasonable documentation. Documentation may include
a death certificate, a published obituary, or written verification of death, burial, or
memorial services from a mortuary, funeral home, burial society, crematorium,

Page 51 Revision January 1, 2025