Are government agencies required to be closed on holidays?
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Are government agencies required to be closed on holidays?
Our city is requiring that we are open on 4 holidays while all other DMV’s and the local City Hall will remain closed. Are there MN laws or statutes that require the offices to be closed these days?
Asked on January 2, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Minnesota
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
It is my understanding that there are 10 recognized state and federal holidays:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King's Birthday (3rd Monday in January)
- Washington and Lincoln's Birthdays (3rd Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
- Christopher Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October)*
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Some states also allow for substitutions:
The day after Thanksgiving may be substituted for Christopher Columbus Day.
Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Good Friday are some of the days that may be considered cultural or religious holidays and may be substituted for a federal or state recognized holiday. These days are not the only days that may be substituted for the recognized holidays.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding day shall be a holiday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day shall be a holiday.
Agencies may also allow for families to substitute holidays based on their religion or culture. I would contact your state Department of Labor or State Attorney General's Office for clarification here. Good luck.
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