Thanksgiving Early Dismissal

In Reply Refer To:
Mail Stop 100

November 20, 2000

MEMORANDUM


To:       All U.S. Geological Survey Employees

From:     Charles G. Groat (signed Chip Groat)
          Director

Subject:  Thanksgiving Early Dismissal

Secretary Babbitt has granted employees a three-hour early dismissal on 
Wednesday, November 22, in appreciation for their support of Department of 
the Interior programs over the past 8 years, and for this year in 
particular, which brought significant challenges, including preparation 
for the arrival of "Y2K" and a most devastating fire season.  For USGS 
staff, I am interpreting that to mean that people may leave three hours 
prior to their normal departure time for their Wednesday work schedule. 
Supervisors should exercise discretion to require mission-critical staff 
to work their regular schedules as necessary. 

Employees scheduled to work that day will leave work 3 hours earlier than 
their normal departure time.  All excused absence hours for this early 
dismissal will be coded as 060-Admin Leave.  Employees who are already 
scheduled to be on leave on November 22, should have 3 hours of that leave 
converted to and recorded as excused absence.  Supervisors should provide 
an alternative release for those who have required special duties that 
prevent them from leaving early on Wednesday.

For further information, call your servicing personnel office.

I wish all of you a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving. If you are 
traveling, be careful.