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President Bush gives workers day-after-Christmas holiday
Holidays piling up for federal workers
Date published: 12/21/2008
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES everywhere were expecting it, but just to make it official, President Bush did designate Dec. 26 as a federal holiday. As a result, most federal employees who are not in critical jobs--you know who you are--won't have to go to work. Every time this happens, it creates a lot of discord. Some people see it as a waste of taxpayers' money. Others think that opening buildings when most employees wouldn't be there, as happens on the day after Thanksgiving, is a waste of taxpayers' money. It's another one of those situations that fall under the category of "You can't please everyone." While we're on the subject, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2009, has also been designated as a holiday for federal employees who work in the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland; and Arlington and Fairfax counties and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church in Virginia. Federal employees who are regularly scheduled to perform non-overtime work on Inauguration Day are entitled to a holiday. There is no time off in lieu of holiday for employees who are not regularly scheduled to work that day. The day off is a double bonus since Monday, the day before Inauguration Day, is also a federal holiday. Federal workers who have questions about the extra days off should check the Office of Personnel Management Web site. If you are thinking about going to Washington for the inauguration, make sure you plan ahead. Authorities are planning for huge crowds. Don't expect to be able to park or drive with any level of ease anyplace close to the District. Security will be extremely tight and traffic will most surely be a nightmare for most, if not all, of the day. Even the Virginia Railway Express has halted its regular service and implemented a special Inauguration Day train schedule and ticket. This special train service requires reservations. You cannot use your commuter tickets for this day. You must purchase a $25 round-trip ticket for a specific train. VRE says this is for security and safety reasons. There will be many other security controls in place once you arrive in Washington, so plan your trip carefully. This is my last column for the year. I would like to thank all of you who read the column and have taken the time to write letters and e-mails with questions and comments. Your input is important and helps ensure that I continue to write about topics and items that are of interest and important to you. Have a safe and happy holiday season. Michael Kole of Spotsylvania County is a career federal employee. Write c/o Federal Feedback, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; e-mail news
Date published: 12/21/2008
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