The commenter also objects to the extension of time limits for using previously restored leave because of the preference given to employees in the Y2K situation over those affected by extended exigencies not related to the Y2K conversion effort. Extended exigencies are already recognized as unique situations and have special time limits under 5 CFR 530.309. Those employees, like employees involved in Y2K conversion, needed to be at work and also needed to use their previously restored leave or it would have been forfeited with no possibility of further restoration. We believe the situation experienced by employees involved in the Y2K conversion effort is similar enough to the experiences of DOD employees involved in base closure and realignment to justify extending the time limits for using previously restored leave. Finally, the commenter objects to the budgetary implications of OPM 's regulations, saying that the restoration of forfeited leave has cost implications for agencies at a time when many are faced with serious downsizing and budget cuts.
Employees earn annual leave as a part of their total compensation.
When a work situation prevents an employee from scheduling annual leave, an agency is required to make every effort to help the employee reschedule that leave. If this cannot be done because of circumstances beyond the control of the employee and the agency, and the employee forfeits annual leave in excess of the amount allowable, the employee must be able to have that leave restored for use at a later date. We do not believe the regulations will increase costs for agencies because employees would not have forfeited large amounts of annual leave at the end of leave year 1999. Most, if not all, affected employees would have gone through the conventions of scheduling leave in order to qualify for restoration of forfeited leave. OPM 's regulations merely simplify the procedures for restoring forfeited annual leave and reduce the administrative burden on agencies.