Fairfax County, trying to meet new federal health care regulations, will begin offering medical benefits to 1,500 employees who now work part-time, though it’s not clear if all of those employees will be able to keep their jobs. The move will cost the county between $3.5 and $4 million before the 2011 fiscal year ends in June. About 400 of those employees who are hired for an 11-month year will be eligible for full benefits, including health and dental insurance, holiday pay, and annual and sick leave.
“It’s a health insurance regulation thing, but it’s also a philosophical thing,” said Supervisor John Foust, D-Dranesville. “We thought they should [have full benefits] if they’re working with us for 11 months. This is a good thing as far as I’m concerned.”
The downside for those 400 people, however, is that the benefit conversion means their jobs will be declared vacant in coming months, and each would have to reapply for their position through a competitive hiring process.
“They will be encouraged to apply and, if so requested, resume assistance will be provided,” said county spokeswoman Merni Fitzgerald.
The county’s remaining 1,100 part-time positions will be eligible for health and dental insurance, but not the perks of holiday pay and leave.
About 7,500 part-time employees who work less than half of the year — lifeguards or election officers, for example — will remain ineligible for benefits.
