Washington, D.C. 20530

May 12, 1999

MEMORANDUM FOR BUREAU PERSONNEL OFFICERS

FROM:        Joanne W. Simms
                   Director, Personnel Staff
                   Justice Management Division

SUBJECT:  Assistance for Federal Employees Affected by the Tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas

This provides the attached memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies from the President concerning assistance for Federal employees affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas. To assist agencies in implementing the President's policy, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued the attached memorandum.

In response to the disaster, agencies are requested to grant excused absence without charge to leave or loss of pay to employees in the designated disaster areas who are prevented from reporting to work or are faced with a personal emergency due to the tornadoes, and who can be spared from their usual jobs. 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. However, excused absence does not apply to Federal employees who are members of the National Guard or Military Reserves called up to assist. Military leave is appropriate for such employees.

The President also directed OPM to establish an emergency leave transfer program to assist employees. This program would allow employees in any executive agency to donate unused annual leave for transfer to employees of the same or other agencies, who are adversely affected by the disaster caused by the tornadoes, and who need additional time off without having to use their own paid leave. If you identify employees who are in need of emergency leave transfer, please advise us as soon as possible, and we will notify OPM.

Finally, OPM reminds agencies of their authority to waive the bi-weekly limitation on premium pay for non-law enforcement employees (5 CFR 550.106) who perform work connected with the disaster. Should the need arise to exercise this authority, please submit a waiver request to the Assistant Attorney General for Administration.

Questions concerning leave and absence in connection with this matter should be directed to Margaret Foskey, of the Personnel Staff's Policy Group. Questions concerning the premium pay provisions affecting employees engaged in emergency efforts should be directed to John Cahill, of the same staff. Both Ms. Foskey and Mr. Cahill can be reached on (202) 514-6778.

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