Title
Report Regarding a Resolution to Extend the City Observance of the Christmas Eve Holiday from a Half Day to a Full Day for December 23, 2021. (Leah Lockhart, Human Resources Director)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council approve a resolution to extend the observance of the Christmas Eve holiday from a half day to a full day for December 23, 2021.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of South San Francisco currently observes ten (10) Federal holidays, as well as the day after Thanksgiving, and two half-day holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. City observance of holidays includes closure of administrative offices and facilities, except for services that require continuous operations to protect the health and safety of the public (Police, Fire, and Water Quality Control Plant operations). City holidays are approved by Council resolution and provisions for staff time off or additional holiday pay are included in the Memorandums of Understanding for each recognized employee organization. This year, Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25) fall on a Friday and Saturday, respectively. In accordance with the City's Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), these holidays will be observed on Thursday, December 23 (Christmas Eve) and Friday, December 24 (Christmas Day).
The half-day holidays provide a balance between allowing staff time off to spend with family for the holidays while still allowing limited hours for services to the public on those days. However, the half-day schedule can result in additional strain on employees in terms of commute time and travel planning. Over the past two years, City employees served as essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and in many cases, faced increased workloads and unique challenges due to the unique conditions and community needs. As a result, employees were significantly limited in their ability to take time off or to travel - this was parti...
Click here for full text