USDA Team,

This upcoming Monday, Oct. 11 recognizes International Day of Girls, National Coming Out Day, Indigenous People’s Day, and Columbus Day. Undoubtedly, this will serve as a time for reflection and recommitment to lifting up all individuals and communities and to honoring the significant contributions of so many that enrich our nation. To acknowledge the hard work that our Department’s employees demonstrate in furthering our mission every day, I am pleased to announce that Secretary Vilsack has authorized a two-hour early release for employees today, Friday, Oct. 8th.

• Employees should code their timesheet using “66 – Admin/Excused Absence” (WebTA) or “TC-66 Other Leave” (Paycheck8).
• Employees who are required to work on Friday, Oct. 8th, 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 Friday, Oct. 8th due to mission critical needs, or if Friday is a non-workday, or if the employee is on preapproved paid leave on Friday, then the employee 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 (Oct. 24 to Nov. 20) to use the two-hour time off authorization. The 2 hours does not need to be used on the same day, but it must be used by Nov. 20.

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 2 hours of administrative leave for an early release.

USDA Leadership is tremendously grateful for all that you do to further USDA’s mission. I hope you take time to rest, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with those who are important to you.

Sincerely,

Oscar Gonzalez
Assistant Secretary for Administration