(1) Leave of absence for not more than 30 days, without pay, and without the consent of the commission, may be granted by any appointing power to any person under civil service subject to the authority of the appointing power. The appointing power shall give immediate notice of such leave to the commission. Leaves of absence for longer periods shall not be granted except by express permission of the commission.

(2) Leaves of absence without pay for at least two years shall be granted automatically to all regular employees who serve in the Peace Corps as volunteers. Upon expiration of the leave the employee shall have the right to be reinstated to the position held before the leave was granted and at the salary rates prevailing for such positions on the date of resumption of duty, without loss of seniority or other employment rights. Failure of the employee to report within 90 days after termination of service shall be cause for dismissal. [Amended by 1963 c.199 § 4]