The federal government authorizes certain legal holidays, on which most federal offices (non-essential, such as the U.S. Postal Service) are closed and employees receive a paid holiday. In the private sector, employees who work on legal holidays may receive holiday pay (often 150 percent regular wages), but may also receive a paid holiday depending on the terms of employment.
In addition to federal holidays, many states also designate other holidays that represent their unique history and culture. Ohio legal holiday laws actually do not include additional, unique holidays, as some other states do. But state law specifically addresses legal holidays such as New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving Day.
Federal vs. State Legal Holiday Laws
Federal labor law (5 U.S.C. 6103), which covers employees in all states, is reflected in the Ohio statute. State labor laws must provide at least the protections granted by federal labor laws -- whenever there is a discrepancy, the jurisdiction (either federal or state) offering the most protections to employees governs. Federal law designates the same legal holidays outlined by Ohio law, which means state employees who work on those days are entitled to receive premium pay (at least one-and-one-half times the regular wage rate).
Get Legal Help with an Wage and Hour Violation
Employers that fail to meet the minimum legal requirements (whether it's federal law, state law, or the terms of your employment contract) may be liable for lost wages. In addition to legal holiday laws, employers are required to provide the necessary amount of break time and allow for leave in emergency situations. If you believe you are entitled to holiday pay or have any other specific, legal questions about wage and hour laws, an employment law attorney can help. Â
A summary of Ohio legal holidays laws appears in the following table, with links to related content. See FindLaw's Employment Law section for additional articles and resources (for employers: Employment Law and Human Resources).
| Code Section | 1.14 |
| Holidays | New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday; Washington's and Lincoln's Birthday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veterans Day; Thanksgiving; Christmas |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an Ohio employment law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Ohio Legal Holidays Laws: Related Resources
