Is Thanksgiving a Holiday in the United States?

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States, marking a day of gratitude and giving back. However, for certain individuals, this day can also be a day of mandatory work. Let's delve into the details and clarify some common misconceptions about Thanksgiving and work.

A Federal Holiday

Thanksgiving Day is indeed a federal holiday in the United States. This means that federal employees do not have to report to their workplace on the day of Thanksgiving, and most state employees are also given the day off. However, the experience from a private employer's perspective can vary greatly.

Essential Services and Work Obligations

While most businesses and offices are closed on Thanksgiving, essential services cannot come to a halt. First responders, hospital staff, law enforcement officials, firefighters, and medical professionals are among those who must continue their duties. Additionally, some gas stations, drugstores, and certain retail establishments are also open to serve the public's urgent needs.

Employer Policies and Expectations

Private employers do not have to grant the day off to their employees, and if they do, it may be without pay. It is quite common for employees in the retail, food service, and fast food industries to be expected to work on Thanksgiving and the subsequent Friday and weekend. Higher-end restaurants may remain open for late dinners, which can be a boon for server tips, but not all servers are required to work these long hours.

Other Work-related Scenarios

Employees who are in IT support, accounting, or any other field that requires regular banking transactions and check verifications may be required to work on Thanksgiving. For instance, my previous role as the accounting manager necessitated a couple of hours of work on Friday to make necessary tax deposits since the banks were open and we had to meet deadlines.

Complaints and Legal Considerations

Employers in the service industry often face pressure to have employees on duty for various reasons, such as handling bank deposits, verifying checks, and processing credit checks. However, there is no legal requirement to pay premium wages for working on a federal holiday unless it would cause the employee to work more than 40 hours in a week. In some cases, employees who are not on duty may file complaints, as in the example of a payee who sued our company for not having anyone available to verify checks.

Summary of the Work Scenario

In conclusion, while many people do get the day off on Thanksgiving, there are still a significant number of individuals who are required to work. These include those in essential services, IT support, and other fields that maintain continuity during the holiday. The day itself can be influenced by various factors, including consumer behavior and business needs.

Key Takeaways

Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the United States. Essential services continue to operate on Thanksgiving. Private employers can decide whether to grant the day off or not. Employees in certain fields may still be required to work on Thanksgiving. There is no legal requirement for premium pay on a federal holiday unless it causes more than 40 hours of work in a week.

Understanding the complexities of working on Thanksgiving can help both employers and employees make informed decisions and adjust expectations accordingly.