OPINION:
If a police officer or firefighter in Erie, Pennsylvania wants to take a family vacation to Dollywood or Myrtle Beach, they must receive permission from city leaders.
Several city workers sent the Todd Starnes Show a copy of City Hall’s new pandemic travel policy – and it’s mind-blowing.
“Under a declare state of emergency, the City reserves the right to review and manage use of benefit time,” the policy reads.
Workers were told they had to receive approval to vacation outside of the city limits – under threat of termination.
“When an employee submits a scheduled vacation request and has plans to travel outside of Erie County, he/she must read, sign and submit this form to their supervisor, identifying the destination, the method of travel, and whether there are any scheduled layovers, if traveling by plane,” the request form reads.
City leaders “strongly recommended” workers consider stay-cations.
However, should someone travel outside the city limits, “the employee should make every effort to avoid stopping at restaurants, hotels, motels, camp grounds, or rest areas, if possible.”
So how are folks supposed to use the bathroom — by pulling off on the side of the road?
“Pack food and water to take on the trip,” the city ordered. “Plan on sharing driving duties. If you must stop overnight, research your accommodations carefully. Don’t stop on a whim without knowing the background of the facility.”
In other words, don’t do anything that the Griswold family might do.
“Failure to follow the procedures, as outlined herein, may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination pursuant to their respective Collective Bargaining Agreement,” the order read.