News Release

Washington, D.C. - In accordance with President George W. Bush's Executive Order 13320 that all Executive Branch departments and agencies of the federal government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Friday, December 26, the day after Christmas Day, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has issued guidance on its implementation.

"The President's decision is in recognition of the hard work that federal civil servants do to support this Nation," said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "President Bush's action will give them more time to spend with their loved ones and to reflect on the importance of family and tradition."

In keeping with past decisions regarding the holiday, and for reasons of national security, defense or other public need, the heads of Executive Branch departments and agencies may determine that certain offices and installations of their organizations must remain open and that certain employees must report for duty on December 26. Earlier this year, OPM conducted a workshop for over 50 departments and agencies to assist in determining staffing needs for emergency personnel.

For general pay and leave administration instructions, please refer to OPM's fact sheets on:
- federal holidays at http://www.opm.gov/oca/worksch/HTML/HOLIDAY.HTM,
- compressed work schedules at http://www.opm.gov/oca/worksch/HTML/AWScws.htm,
- flexible work schedules at http://www.opm.gov/oca/worksch/HTML/awsfws.htm.
Employees of the U.S. Postal Service and contract employees should contact their supervisors (or contract officers) to obtain information on their pay and leave entitlements for December 26.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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