Monday evening members of the Plymouth City Council took steps to amend the city’s policy on vacations.
An issue arose during the Christmas holiday season when an employee took time off right before the city’s vacation and had expected to be paid for the holiday.
Monday evening, City Attorney Sean Surrisi explained that the new policy requires an employee to work or use benefit time the day before and the day after a paid holiday if they want additional time off.
Additionally the policy updated the number of days an employee earns with the years of service they have with the city. An employee up to 2 years earns 5 days of vacation while an employee with 2 through 7 years of service earns 10 days of paid vacation time. The amendment adds 15 days for an employee with 8 to 14 years and an employee with 15 to 24 years would be given 20 days of paid vacation. Any full time employees with over 25 years of service earn 25 days of paid vacation.
The amendment also spells out additional vacation time for employees in the Fire Department who work a 24 hour shift. Already in existence was anyone with less than 1 year of service gets 3 days, less than 2 years 4 days and 2 though 7 years on the department…5 work days. Added were years 8 to 14 years of service will earn 8 work days and those with 15 to 24 years earn 11 days while anyone with 25 years or more will get 14 days of paid vacation.
The change in the city’s Personnel Policy will go into effect as of January 1st although City Clerk Treasurer Jeanie Xaver asked that the policy only be for current employees who are still working and have not given their notice to leave the city’s employment.
The City Council agreed with the request and approved the ordinance amendment on all three reading after suspending the rules and approving it on 2nd and 3rd reading Monday evening.
