City workers get extra paid holiday

The Clarion-Ledger, 2/11/9

Jackson city workers can thank the local firefighters’ union for another paid vacation day – and city taxpayers for footing the $170,000 bill.

An almost-overlooked clause in the firefighters’ union contract led the Jackson City Council on Tuesday to make Presidents Day a new city holiday.

The union contract, approved several years ago, called for firefighters to have Presidents Day off, starting in 2009.

City attorneys told the council the city could not single out one department for the privilege. As a result, the council passed an order declaring Presidents Day a holiday for all city workers. They will be off Monday.