Federal Holidays & Workers Rights Information
As in other countries, America has a long history of granting holidays to the American people. The holidays are meant to give the people a chance to observe, reflect and respect various aspects of the country's history and people. During these federal holidays, all agencies under control of the government are closed for the day.
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History
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The first federal holidays were established in 1870. Since that time, 11 additional holidays have been accepted through acts of Congress.
Types
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The federal holidays created in the 1800s include New Year's Day, Christmas Day, the Fourth of July, Washington's birthday, Memorial Day and Labor Day. In the 1900s, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Friday of each November, Inauguration Day, which occurs every four years, Columbus Day, and Marin Luther King, Jr. Day were all accepted by Congress as federal holidays.
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Significance
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During days designated as federal holidays by the government, all employees who work in the public sector will be given a paid vacation day. The public sector includes all sects of society, the economy, and industry under control of federal, local or state governments.
Considerations
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Paid holiday for workers only extends to employees in the public sector, not those in the private sector according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. If a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the preceding Friday or following Monday will usually be granted as a paid holiday to public-sector employees.
Fun Fact
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More than 1,100 holidays have been proposed through bills to Congress since 1870.
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