Is there a difference between Leave Without Pay (LWOP) and Absence Without Leave (AWOL)?
While both types of leave are nonpay categories, there are significant differences between the two. LWOP is approved leave and requires advanced supervisory approval, except in emergency situations. Generally, even though the reason for requesting LWOP is known to be legitimate, the request may be denied if the employee’s services are required or if the employee has not followed proscribed leave procedures. AWOL is an absence from duty which is not authorized nor approved, or for which a leave request has been denied. Recording an absence as AWOL is not a disciplinary action. However, AWOL can become the basis for initiating a disciplinary action.
