There are holidays on nearly every day of the year -- some more obscure than others -- but a legal holiday is one that is recognized by the federal or state government. On legal holidays, state and federal employees are entitled to a paid day off or premium holiday pay (typically time and one-half) if they work, which is what makes the holiday "legal." While many private employers also close shop or provide premium pay on legal holidays as a perk for their employees, they are not required to do so.
Each state is required to observe holidays recognized by the federal government, including those commemorating historical events or observing widely practiced religious holidays. But states sometimes observe additional holidays that reflect the unique culture or history of the state or region. Also, some states observe "half" holidays, on which state employees work in the morning and then receive a paid afternoon off.
Overview: Legal Holidays in Nebraska
As required by law, Nebraska observes the same legal holidays recognized by the federal government, including Thanksgiving and Veterans' Day. But Nebraska also celebrates Arbor Day as a legal holiday. If you are a state employee and were required to work on a legal holiday (or were not paid extra for holiday work), you may have a legal claim. You may file a wage complaint online with the Nebraska Department of Labor if you were not paid what you are owed, but you should try to clear things up with your employer first.
The following chart lists Nebraska's legally recognized holidays, with links to additional resources. See FindLaw's Wages and Benefits section to learn more.
| Code Section | 25-2221 |
| Holidays | New Year's Day (January 1); Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday (third Monday in January); President's Day (third Monday in February); Arbor Day (last Friday in April; Memorial Day (last Monday in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (first Monday in September); Columbus Day (second Monday in October); Veterans Day (November 11); Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November); day after Thanksgiving; Christmas (December 25) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the enactment of newly signed statutes, decisions made by higher courts, voter approved ballot initiatives, and other means. You may want to contact a Nebraska employment law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Legal Holidays in Nebraska: Related Resources
