Thousands of state workers have been bombarding Gov. Jon Corzine?s office with phone calls in an effort to let them keep a holiday tradition alive.

In the past, state workers have been off the Friday after Thanksgiving. The paid day off has been a tradition, a gift bestowed by governors of both parities by executive order. However, Corzine made it clear in his executive order last year that 2006 would be the end of it.

Corzine?s spokeswoman says nearly 5,000 phone calls have flooded the governor?s office this week about the paid day off.

The call-in was orchestrated by the Communications Workers of America, the largest union of state employees.

?We work hard,? state employee James Wright said. ?With all the cutbacks and layoffs and the hiring freeze, I think it?s disappointing. At least give us the day after Thanksgiving.?