Washington, D.C. 20530

July 25, 2005

MEMORANDUM FOR BUREAU HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICERS

FROM:            Debra M. Tomchek
                         Director, Human Resources

SUBJECT:      Human Resources Flexibilities Available to Assist Federal Employees Affected by
                         Severe Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

As "hurricane season" is upon us, the attached memorandum from the Office of Personnel Management provides information regarding the flexibilities that are available to you to assist Department of Justice employees affected by severe weather emergencies and natural disasters and their aftermath. The OPM memorandum is also available at the following website: http://www.chcoc.opm.gov/Attachments/trans639.pdf.

In response to employees affected by severe weather emergency and natural disasters, components are requested to grant excused absence without charge to leave or loss of pay to employees who are affected by severe weather emergencies and natural disasters or their aftermath. This policy applies to employees who are prevented from reporting to work or are faced with a personal emergency due to these weather and disaster situations or their aftermath, and who can be spared from their usual responsibilities. This policy also applies to employees who are needed for emergency law enforcement, relief, or clean-up efforts authorized by Federal, State, or other officials with jurisdiction, and whose participation is such activities has been approved by the component. However, this policy does not apply to Federal employees who are members of the National Guard or Military Reserves called up to assist since they are entitled to military leave.

Heads of components who have identified employees in need of excused absence to cope with weather and disaster situations or their aftermath must submit a written report on granting excused absence to the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Human Resources and Administration.

As a reminder, the Assistant Attorney General for Administration (AAG/A) retains the authority to make exceptions to premium pay limitations when an emergency involves a direct threat to life or property. Requests for exceptions based on emergencies must be submitted in writing to the AAG/A.

Questions regarding exceptions to premium pay limitations or other pay issues should be directed to Jeanarta Lee, Workforce Effectiveness Group, on (202) 514-3663 or via e-mail at Jeanarta.C.Lee2@usdoj.gov. Questions concerning leave administration should be directed to Rachel Villare, also of the Workforce Effectiveness Group, on (202) 616-3707 or via e-mail at Rachel.Villare@usdoj.gov. Questions regarding staffing flexibilities should be directed to Joanne Broderick, Workforce Development Group, on (202) 616-9008 or via e-mail at Joanne.T.Broderick@usdoj.gov.

Employees who have questions should contact the appropriate person in their servicing personnel offices.

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