Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2020
Directs all federal executive departments and agencies to close on December 24, 2020, giving employees the day off before Christmas, while allowing agency heads to keep essential offices open for national security or other public needs.
What this order does
What it orders
The order directs all executive departments and agencies to close on Thursday, December 24, 2020, and excuses their employees from duty. It designates the day as a federal holiday for purposes of pay and leave under existing statutes and Executive Order 11582.
Agency heads retain authority to require certain offices or employees to remain on duty for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need. The Office of Personnel Management Director is tasked with implementing the order, which is subject to applicable law and available appropriations.
Who it affects
Federal civilian employees across all executive departments and agencies, who receive a paid day off on December 24, 2020. Agency heads and the Office of Personnel Management Director are directed to act on implementation and any necessary exceptions.
Why it matters
Federal civilian employees receive an extra paid holiday on Christmas Eve 2020. Employees required to work that day are entitled to pay and leave protections under the referenced statutes, ensuring compensation parity with standard federal holidays.
What must happen and when
Actions and deadlines
- Close agency offices and excuse employees from duty on December 24, 2020
- Determine which offices or employees must remain on duty for national security or public need
- Take actions necessary to implement the order regarding federal pay and leave