Voluntary Unpaid Christmas Leave for Employees

Employees of the provincial government are being offered the option of voluntary unpaid leave during the 1999 Christmas holidays.

Information is being circulated to government employees over the next few days informing them of the option should they choose to take time off during the holidays.

"This is a voluntary measure. In fact, employees always have the option to apply for unpaid leave if it is operationally feasible in their workplace," said John Chataway, Minister of Human Resources.

Unpaid leave can benefit the employee with time for personal reasons, while also benefitting the employer with salary savings.

"This government is committed to looking at all measures to reduce our operating costs, and voluntary unpaid leave may help achieve cost-savings," said Mr. Chataway.