Missouri Legal Holiday Laws: Overview
A legal holiday is a day of cultural importance that is officially recognized by the government. The federal government authorizes a number of legal holidays and closes most non-essential federal offices -- including the U.S. Postal Service -- while providing paid holidays to its employees. Some private sector employees also receive a paid day off, or receive premium holiday pay (usually time and one-half), but employers are not required to do so.
Many states also authorize additional legal holidays, often to commemorate a state anniversary or something of cultural relevance to the state. Missouri's legal holidays are mostly limited to those already designated by the federal government, such as Thanksgiving and Veteran's Day. One unique holiday recognized in Missouri is Truman Day (honoring Missouri native and former U.S. President Harry S. Truman).
How Federal and State Labor Laws Intersect
Employees in all states are covered by federal labor law (5 U.S.C. 6103), which is also reflected in Missouri law. Although both federal and state law may address the same legal issue, state labor laws must provide at least as much protection for employees as federal laws. If state law doesn't address a given issue, then federal law governs.
Legal Claims for Wage and Hour Violations
You may have a valid claim for lost wages, reinstatement, or other damages if your employer fails to meet the minimum legal requirements (whether it's federal or state law). Employers also may be held liable for breach of contract if they fail to meet their contractual obligations. For instance, state employees who work on legal holidays without receiving holiday pay may have a claim.
The following table summarizes Missouri's legal holiday laws, followed by links to related content. See FindLaw's Employment Law section for additional articles and resources (employers: Employment Law and Human Resources).
| Code Section | 9.010 |
| Holidays | New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday; Washington's Birthday; Lincoln's Birthday; Truman Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veterans Day; Thanksgiving; Christmas |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a Missouri employment attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Missouri Legal Holiday Laws: Related Resources
