Half-Day Closing of Federal Government on Thursday, December 24, 2015
Dec 16, 2015
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Dec 11, 2015
Published on: Dec 16, 2015
Dec 16, 2015
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Dec 11, 2015
Published on: Dec 16, 2015
Summary
Gives federal workers the afternoon off on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015, with pay.
What problem does this solve?
Federal employees often work a full day on Christmas Eve, a time many people use to prepare for the holiday. This order closes federal offices for the second half of the day, allowing employees to leave early for Christmas.
What does this order do?
Half-day closure on Christmas Eve
Closes all executive branch departments and agencies for the last half of the workday on Thursday, December 24, 2015.
Exceptions for essential services
Allows agency heads to require certain offices and employees to remain on duty for the full day for national security, defense, or other public needs.
Pay and leave provisions
Ensures that the half-day off is treated as a paid holiday for federal employees, in line with existing laws on pay and leave.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government employees
What is the real world impact?
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Boosts morale for federal employees
Provides a paid half-day off before a major holiday, which is a common practice in many workplaces and serves as a goodwill gesture to the federal workforce.
When does this start?
This order takes effect for the last half of the scheduled workday on Thursday, December 24, 2015.