Florida governor OKs paid time off for state workers on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve

James Call | Tallahassee Democrat

Show Caption Hide Caption Christmas shopping: Don't give these gifts to coworkers A LinkedIn survey found that 31% of employees say they feel they have to add co-workers to their gift-giving lists.

It's Gov. Ron DeSantis’ holiday gift to state workers this year: Two days off with pay.

DeSantis on Tuesday announced state offices will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

“I am proud to recognize our state employees for their hard work and efforts in this way,” the governor said in a statement.

“The First Lady and I extend our thanks and best wishes to state employees and their families this holiday season and we look forward to an equally productive year in 2020,” he added.

State employees whose positions prevent them from taking off the additional time “will be afforded the opportunity to use the time at a future date.”

Others are reading: Senate will include state worker pay raise in budget deliberations

The tradition of days off during the end-of-the-year holiday season actually began with former Gov. Charlie Crist, now a congressman. In 2008, Crist closed state offices both on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Former Gov. Rick Scott revived the tradition in 2011 but discontinued it in 2016.

After winning election to the U.S. Senate last November, Scott again granted paid days off and closed state offices on Christmas Eve and New Year Eve.

Later Tuesday, Kelly Benjamin, spokesman for AFSCME Florida, said workers deserve the extra time off.

But, he added, referring to a lack of pay increases: "We wish the same recognition was evident in his proposed state budget that offers nothing for state employees."

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Writer James Call can be contacted at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow on Twitter @CallTallahassee