Feds to Take Off December 24

Linda M. Springer, director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) said in a Web statementthat the order signed by President Bush on Thursday exempted those federal workers judged by their agency head to be essential for reasons ofnational security, defense, “or other essential public need.”

According to Springer’s announcement, most employees excused from duty on December 24th will get their normal rate of pay for that day and that a worker already scheduled to be on annual leave December 24 won’t be charged for the day off.

The executive order also does not cover U.S. Postal Service workers, Springer said.

“President Bush acknowledges the important contributions America’s federal employees make each day to ensure the success and security of our nation. So in the spirit of the season, President Bush is making it possible for these dedicated Americans to spend this precious four-day period with family and friends,” Springer said in the statement.

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine recently generated national publicity when he declared the day after Thanksgiving to be a regular work day for state employees (See Corzine Breaks Tradition of Day off After Thanksgiving ).