WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memo today to establish an Emergency Leave Transfer Program (ELTP) for Federal employees adversely affected by Hurricane Irma. In the event of a major disaster or emergency declared by the President that results in severe adverse effects for a substantial number of employees, OPM, in consultation with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), may establish an ELTP.

An ELTP permits employees in the executive and judicial branches, or agency leave banks established under 5 U.S.C. § 6363, to donate unused annual leave for transfer to employees of the same or other agencies who are adversely affected by the emergency, and who need additional time off from work without having to use their own paid leave. An ELTP was issued earlier this month to assist Federal workers affected by Hurricane Harvey.

“OPM continues to support Federal agencies in the regions devastated by Hurricane Irma, and the issuance of this recent ELTP is just one of the ways our agency is helping our colleagues in need,” said Acting OPM Director Kathy McGettigan. “Our thoughts are with those affected and we wish them continued safety and a quick recovery,” said McGettigan.