Under the draft proposal, a copy of which was obtained by the Variety, government offices will be closed on Fridays and the “employees’ pay will be reduced accordingly.”
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial also wants six no-pay holidays starting with President’s Day on Feb. 16.
The other unpaid holidays are the Commonwealth Covenant Day on March 24; Good Friday on April 10; Memorial Day on May 25; Liberation Day on July 3; and Labor Day on Sept. 7.
Unless required, departments or agencies will be closed on these legal holidays with no pay to the government employees.
The administration wanted these measures included in the $148 million budget bill but lawmakers instead passed a version that restricted the governor’s hiring authority.
Fitial’s special assistant for administration, Esther S. Fleming, in an interview said the austerity measures are necessary to save jobs.
Fleming said the austerity Fridays and unpaid legal holidays must be applied across the board, to include autonomous agencies and civil service personnel.
The proposal needs the approval of the Legislature.
Under the draft proposal, the Public School System can exempt some of its employees particularly teachers.
Northern Marianas College can also exempt some of its faculty members.
The Departments of Public Safety and Public Health will be likewise exempted.
