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USDA: Early release Monday, May 9

May 6, 2022

USDA seal (new 2022)

Colleagues,

To acknowledge Public Service Recognition Week, I have authorized a four-hour early dismissal for employees on Monday, May 9th.

Public Service Recognition Week, or PSRW, has been celebrated annually during the first week of May since 1985 (beginning on the first Sunday of the month). PSRW is time set aside to honor the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. The deputy secretary and I join leaders across USDA in saying thank you for all you do, and to let you know that your dedication and service is noticed and appreciated.

  • Employees should code their timesheet using “66 – Admin/Excused Absence” (WebTA) or “TC-66 Other Leave” (Paycheck8).
  • Employees who are required to work on Monday, May 9th, due to mission critical needs will code their timesheet as normal, “01 – Regular Base Pay”.
  • If employees are unable to participate in the early departure on Monday, May 9th, because their supervisor has directed them to continue working due to mission critical needs; or if Monday is a non-workday; or if the employee is on preapproved paid leave on Monday; then the employee may use the four hours on a different day. Employees must work directly with their supervisor to identify another day within the current pay period, or within the next two pay periods (May 8 to June 4) to use the four-hour time off authorization. The four hours does not need to be used on the same day and may be combined with other leave, but the total amount must be used by June 4th. 
  • Leave may only be charged during an employee’s scheduled tour of duty. Employees in a continuous period of non-pay status may not be placed in a pay status solely to receive four-hours administrative leave for an early release. If employees are in a “use-or-lose” situation, the 4 four hours does not constitute an exigency of public business and does not qualify to have annual leave restored.

Sincerely,

Secretary Vilsack

*If you are a bargaining unit employee and have questions regarding the content of this message and its potential impact on a current labor agreement, please refer them to your local union representative.
 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/mail-call/usda-early-release-monday-may-9