County to work during July 4th festivities
Published: February 3, 2010
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share thisAmidst the bustling Independence Day festivities in Montrose this year, county employees have been told to report for work that day.
The Susquehanna County Salary Board amended the 2010 holiday schedule at the Jan. 27 meeting. The Salary Board is comprised of the three county commissioners and the county treasurer. County workers will now work on Monday, July 5, the day Independence Day is observed this year by federal government entities, like the United State Postal Service. July 4 falls on a Sunday.
Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer said the county is following the union contract. Beamer said she spoke with the union representative. “I was told the contracts were very clear,” said Beamer.
At the Jan. 27 meeting, the commissioners said they had made no plans to date to keep access to the courthouse open on July 5 amid the congestion in Montrose that day.
The commissioners also said that employees had not yet expressed displeasure with the change in the holiday schedule. But Commissioners Michael Giangrieco said he expects there will be.
Some union employees, who wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, said the union has requested a sit-down meeting with the commissioners to iron out the issue.
The move to stay open for business that day comes at a cost to taxpayers. Union and non-union hourly employees will receive an extra day’s pay.
The same situation will occur later this year as well.
With Christmas falling on a Saturday this year, the commissioners amended the holiday schedule to keep the courthouse open on Friday, Dec. 24 and employees’ holiday pay will be added to that pay period.
At the heart of the debate is language written into the contract for employees who belong to Teamsters Local 299.
Independence Day and Christmas Day are specifically listed as paid holidays for the workers.
Salaried workers will lose the paid holidays this year, contrary to what some say is provided for in the personnel manual.
Efforts to reach a representative from Teamster Local 229 were not successful.
