[bibarnes]

Just wondering. If they are non-essential why are they still on the payroll. It isn't just Massachusetts, it is every state in the country. IMHO every one who was able to not come in because they were not essential should get a severance package and job retraining.

[kevkrom]

Just wondering. If they are non-essential why are they still on the payroll.

I know you're trying to be witty, but "non-essential" means people who must be present to handle emergencies. It does not mean that people who could miss a day or two with a major catastrophe are completely useless. Many of them may actually be useless, but you're reading way too much in the specific phrase...

[Poohbah]

Just wondering. If they are non-essential why are they still on the payroll. It isn't just Massachusetts, it is every state in the country. IMHO every one who was able to not come in because they were not essential should get a severance package and job retraining.

"Essential personnel" are those required for public safety and maintenance of critical infrastructure.

[ChuckShick]

every one who was able to not come in because they were not essential should get a severance package and job retraining.

Just fire them, no severance, no retraining.

[Iris7]

The posts show the great divide between the tax consumer and the tax payer. Want to guess who gets a government paycheck?

[Spok]

"Non-essential State Workers"

A redundancy?

[Not A Snowbird]

As an example for my department, "essential" would be the CBP officers manning the border. "Nonessential" would be the secretary, payroll person, etc.

It's not nonessential on a continuing basis, it's nonessential at that particular time. What they do can be put off for another day.

But you knew that. :-)

[theDentist]

Welcome to the world of Hacks.

[VeniVidiVici]

My mom works for John Hancock in downtown Boston.

Hancock told their workers that they were expected in today and if they couldn't make it they were to take a non-paid day or vacation.

[knittnmom]

Wisconsin will sometimes declare all state office buildings closed. The first time that happened a few years ago, we stayed home, assuming closed meant closed. The secretary of the Department of Administration later informed us the buildings were closed to the public and that anyone who stayed home would need to take vacation or other leave time. Our unions got some of the time back. Since then, the notices state VERY clearly that the buildings are closed to the public. My own rule of thumb is, if the buses aren't running, my car doesn't leave the driveway!