Dear USDA colleagues,

The work you do every day strengthens the foundation of American agriculture and enriches the lives of the people and communities we serve.

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and gratitude—a moment to pause and recognize the abundance that surrounds us, from the harvests that nourish our nation to the relationships that sustain us. We are deeply grateful for your steadfast commitment to our mission, your professionalism, and your unwavering dedication to service. You are the reason USDA continues to thrive as a force for good across the country.

Each year, Thanksgiving also takes place during the Combined Federal Campaign, reminding us all about the importance of giving back. We encourage everyone to support their communities through acts of kindness, whether by contributing to local food banks, volunteering, or participating in the CFC, which provides meaningful ways to make a difference. Through giving back, we strengthen the bonds that connect us and ensure that others experience the joy and abundance that this holiday represents.

In this spirit, a two-hour early release for employees on Wednesday, November 27th has been authorized. We hope this time allows you to prepare for the holiday, spend meaningful time with your loved ones, or find a moment to recharge. Your well-being is essential, and we remain committed to fostering a workplace that values work-life balance.

May Thanksgiving bring warmth, connection, and gratitude to you, your families, friends, and loved ones.

Sincerely,

Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack
Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small

Terms of Early Release (Admin Leave*)

• Employees should code their timesheet using “66 – Admin/Excused Absence.”

• Employees who are required by their supervisor to work their regularly scheduled hours on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 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 Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 because their supervisor has directed them to continue working due to mission critical needs; or if Wednesday is a non-workday; or if the employee is on preapproved paid leave on Wednesday, then they may use the two 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 (December 1 – December 28) to use the two-hour early release authorization. The two hours do not need to be used on the same day and may be combined with other leave, but the total amount must be used by Dec. 28, 2024.

• 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 two-hours administrative leave for an early release. If employees are in a “use-or-lose” situation, the two hours do not constitute an exigency of public business and does not qualify to have annual leave restored.

• To the extent this policy may constitute a change in a condition of employment for bargaining unit employees, agencies/offices will implement it in accordance with the terms of their current labor agreement and 5 U.S.C. Chapter 71. 

 See this and other leadership announcements on OneUSDA.