Cut state employees paid holidays
On Monday I was shocked that both the Department of Labor and the Library were closed. I have never had a job where I got MLK day off. Presidents Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day and Idaho Human Rights Day are all state holidays that are not normally recognized by the private sector. I would be curious to know exactly how much all these extra holidays are costing the state. Maybe some state office could close that day and employees could have the option to use vacation. This is what the private sector does. I know someone will argue that private sector workers make more money, however, I would argue that in my experience the private sector is more efficient and employees do more work for the money they make and have less job security. Also it just seems hard to justify this expense when some many people are out of work and we have cut education funding so much.
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Debbie
commented
Holidays actually save the state money, because of the reduction in utility costs, maintenance, housekeeping, etc. The state follows the federal holiday schedule. I am assuming you mean state employees should not have PAID holidays off because otherwise the costs are the same!
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Cynthia Davis commented
CS, I have been laid off twice in the past year and am currently UNEMPLOYED. I think you are the one who needs to walk in someone else's shoes. It is likely I will loose my house soon so, I would be extremely grateful to walk in your employed shoes. Think of all the jobs this could save. I think pretty much anyone would take a job with less holidays over no job at all.
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CS
commented
You don't work for the state, obviously and so, you know very little about how poorly paid they are. Believe me, there are VERY FEW PERKS to working for the state - at least when it comes to working in the Department of Health and Welfare. We DON'T GET overtime pay like many private employees do, we don't get bonuses nor do we get annual raises. We haven't had a raise in at least 7 years. Oh, I did get a 10 cent raise last year which was eaten up by reduced health benefits. Walk in someone else's shoes for awhile, ok?
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Theodore Guindon
commented
Both the Federal and State Governments should observe NO holidays with pay; but have only 4th of July, Christmas, and Thanksgiving off. As a veteran, I don't think Veteran's Day should be taken off.