News Release

Washington, DC - Kay Coles James, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, on Thursday June 13, informed Federal agencies that she had created an exception to federal leave policy to help deal with the fire emergency. This exception gave agency heads the authority to excuse from duty, Denver-area federal workers who are needed to respond to the fires or have been personally affected by the current forest fires. James stated, "I am deeply concerned about the losses suffered as a result of the fires in the Denver area. It is the hope of this administration that by providing additional leave, federal employees will be able to completely fulfill their duty to their family and community."

James further stated, "President Bush understands the significant impact these fires have had on families and individuals living in Colorado. Allowing federal workers affected by the fires additional leave is one way in which the Bush Administration has responded tangibly to this emergency."

Director James' memorandum also advises federal agencies of the flexibilities in law which currently exist to assist employees in times of emergency. James said, "I am specifically requesting that excused absences be granted to employees who are needed for emergency law enforcement, relief, or clean-up efforts authorized by Federal, State, or other officials having jurisdiction and employees who are prevented from reporting to work or faced with a personal emergency because of the fires and their aftermath."

Federal agencies that have questions regarding this memorandum or want a complete copy may contact OPM's Pay and Leave Administration Division on 202-606-2858 or by email @ payleave@opm.gov.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.