Vermont Legal Holidays Laws
By Amber Sheppard, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 02, 2024
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While getting a three-day weekend is fantastic, only some states have the same legal holidays. Vermont has a list of state holidays during the workweek. Not all Vermont employers treat holiday pay the same, and not all state agencies in Vermont get the same paid time off.
This FindLaw article summarizes legal holidays under Vermont law and which state agencies have exemptions.
Vermont State Holidays
Vermont state offices close on legal holidays. Typically, if a Vermont legal holiday falls on a Saturday, the state will observe it on the preceding Friday. If a legal holiday falls on a Sunday, the state will observe it the following Monday.
State of Vermont State Agencies
State government employees get paid time off at their hourly rate. The following is a list of state-legal holidays during a 12-month period.
This list includes:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- President's Day
- Town Meeting Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Bennington Battle Day (not observed by the Department of Corrections or State Police)
- Indigenous People Day (not observed by nonmanagement, supervisory units)
- Labor Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Starting in 2025, this list includes Juneteenth.
Private Employer Exemptions
Vermont state law does not force private employers to provide paid or unpaid holiday leave. But many Vermont employers do grant at least six paid holidays. Check your employment contract to see how your company handles holidays. Some unions may barter for paid holidays off through collective bargaining agreements.
Vermont Leave Laws
If your employer or state agency requires you to work on a holiday, consider using some of the leave in your accrual time. The following are types of leave some people use to get paid for their absence on those days:
- Sick leave or sick time
- Vacation leave
Using the federal law of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is only for eligible employees working full time. The FMLA leave is unpaid. It allows people to take a leave of absence for health care reasons for themselves or a family member.
Vermont law allows workers to attend jury duty without retaliation from their employer. Vermont military leave allows up to 11 paid days off for active duty and reserve training for armed forces and National Guard members.
Talk to a Vermont Labor Lawyer
Understanding your holiday schedule and whether you get paid bi-weekly is important before you sign your employment agreement. Vermont labor and wage laws can confuse anyone. If you have questions, contact a Vermont employment law attorney.
See FindLaw's Employment Law section to learn more about your rights as an employee.
Research the Law:
- Vermont Code
- Official State Codes — Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
Vermont Legal Holidays Laws: Related Resources
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