D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray says he will join other city employees in taking four furlough days this year to save the city an estimated $19 million.
Non-essential government employees won’t be paid on four holidays — President’s Day, D.C. Emancipation Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Gray’s $200,000 salary can’t be cut during his term unless he signs a waiver. He said in a statement that he has waived his compensation for the furlough days.
“Like other employees, I believe it is only fair that I too share the sacrifice,” the statement said. “It’s the right thing to do. In these challenging times, we all must be willing to share the burden and shoulder the responsibility when public interest demands it.”
D.C. Council approved the furloughs in December to help close a $188 million budget gap.
Some city workers, including uniformed police officers and emergency medical workers, are exempt.
