If so, know that these states march at their own drum pace. Massachusetts and Rhode Island are the only two states in the Union that require private companies to offer paid holiday leave. If employees are entitled to overtime, calculating compensation can be a bit tricky. It is important to know that under federal law, overtime is calculated weekly. This means that if employees work more than 40 hours during the week of typical paid holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year`s Eve, they are entitled to “one and a half hours” for hours worked beyond 40 hours. The law also allows workers to refuse to work on Sundays and public holidays. In addition to the holidays mentioned above, Rhode Island also realizes: Contrary to popular belief (or what many employees would prefer), private companies are not required by law to provide time off to their employees. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that most private sector workers had an average of eight vacation days per year. Here are some of the most common holidays recognized by private industry: Although not required by law, many employers offer their employees vacation pay (such as double time or an hour and a half) to reward and motivate them to work on those days.

Keep in mind that even though holiday pay is not mandatory, the standard rules for overtime pay apply on these days – as they are considered a normal working day. In addition, an employer may calculate the amount of vacation pay owed to a part-time employee on a pro rata basis. The conditions for receiving public holiday pay must be documented in writing, usually in the employee handbook. Manufacturing businesses are generally subject to the same laws as non-retail businesses. They can remain open during the holidays with the permission of the police, but their employees cannot be forced to work, except in very limited circumstances: the work must be absolutely necessary and the company must require continuous operation (for example, a power plant). Don`t be afraid – these types of regulations can get complicated and it`s completely normal to have questions. Here we answer some of the most common questions about paid leave so you can make sure you`re following all the laws and more importantly, treating your staff properly. If you`re an employer who offers vacation pay to your employees, here are three important ways to calculate vacation pay. As if paid time off wasn`t complicated enough, it can also affect your payroll. Take the headache out of the process by automating your payroll with Hourly. Start your free trial.

Paid leave laws must be strictly followed by all businesses open on federal holidays or holidays. In particular, federal law does not require employers to pay their employees additional pay (i.e., an hour and a half) to work on vacation. In fact, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) only requires employers to pay for this working time. Employers don`t have to pay employees for vacation when employees may not have to work. For example, if an employee is free on Christmas Day, a federal holiday, an employee is not eligible to pay for that day. However, many employers usually offer vacation to all employees and pay for this free time. Employers must indicate in the employment contract the employees` leave and whether employees are paid for it. In addition, employers should indicate whether additional compensation will be provided to those who work on leave. This article contains general legal information and does not provide legal advice.

Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for a lawyer or law firm. The law is complex and changes frequently. For legal advice, please consult a lawyer. Rhode Island`s law is less restrictive than Massachusetts`. It obliges private employers to pay employees an hour and a half to work on Sundays and public holidays: non-commercial employees, on the other hand, can only work on Christmas Day, Veterans Day (before 13:00). Thanksgiving, Columbus Day (before noon), Labor Day, Independence Day and Memorial Day only if they have a police permit. If they work on vacation, they receive their regular rate. You can work without restrictions on New Year`s Day, Patriots` Day, Martin Luther King Day, Bunker Hill Day, President`s Day, Columbus Day (afternoon), Evacuation Day, and Veterans Day (after 1:00 p.m.).