President Biden has decided to give most federal employees Christmas Eve off this year, continuing a holiday practice that varies by administration.
Key Facts:
– Federal employees will have Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, off according to an executive order signed by President Joe Biden.
– Not all federal workers are affected; certain positions tied to national security, defense, and public safety must remain on duty.
– Past presidents, including Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, have occasionally granted similar holiday leave to federal employees.
– Dec. 24 is not a guaranteed day off; it’s typically up to the sitting president to decide.
The Rest of The Story:
The White House issued an executive order announcing that federal government offices will be closed this coming Christmas Eve.
While Christmas Day is a recognized federal holiday, Christmas Eve is not.
This year, however, federal employees have been granted a paid day off on Dec. 24, following a tradition observed by multiple administrations over the years.
Despite the order, some federal personnel will still show up for work.
The document allows top officials to require certain workers to remain on duty for vital operations.
In the past, presidents have made similar exceptions because certain essential services cannot be paused, even during the holidays.
Commentary:
Private companies often close for the holidays or offer their employees extra time off, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
However, federal employees are paid with taxpayer dollars.
Many feel these workers already receive better pay and benefits than what is common in much of the private sector.
When essential public servants like police officers and firefighters remain on duty through holidays, it only seems fair that federal employees, supported by the public’s money, should follow suit.
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It’s not about being miserly or mean-spirited toward federal workers.
It’s about maintaining an even standard.
If some critical government roles must still be filled on Christmas Eve, then the rest of the taxpayer-funded workforce might consider shouldering their fair share of the load.
The Bottom Line:
The federal government’s decision to close on Dec. 24 gives most federal employees a relaxed holiday, but it also raises questions about fairness and the balance of benefits enjoyed at the public’s expense.