Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the governing board of a community college district does not designate September 9 known as “Admission Day” as a paid holiday for classified employees, the district shall provide a substitute holiday for those employees. The substitute holiday shall be provided as specified in Section 88205.

This section shall apply to districts that have adopted the merit system in the same manner and effect as if it were a part of Article 3 (commencing with Section 88060).