Do People Work on Veterans Day?
Introduction
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on November 11th every year. It is a day to honor and thank all military personnel who have served in the United States Armed Forces, both living and deceased. But do people work on Veterans Day? The answer is not a simple yes or no.
History of Veterans Day
Before we dive into whether people work on Veterans Day, let’s take a brief look at the history of the holiday. Armistice Day was first observed on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor all American veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Since then, Veterans Day has been observed on November 11th every year.
Federal Holidays and Work Schedules
In the United States, federal holidays are designated by Congress and are typically observed by all federal agencies, including federal offices, courts, and banks. Federal employees are given a paid day off on Veterans Day, but private sector employees are not automatically entitled to a day off.
Private Sector Work Schedules
So, do people work on Veterans Day? The answer is yes, many people do. While some private sector employees may have the day off, many others will be working as usual. According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 44% of employers in the United States give their employees a day off on Veterans Day, while 56% do not.
Employer Policies
Employer policies regarding Veterans Day can vary widely. Some employers may give their employees the day off as a gesture of appreciation for their service, while others may not. Some employers may require employees to work on Veterans Day, especially in industries such as healthcare, transportation, and retail, where staffing levels are critical.
Table: Employer Policies on Veterans Day
Employer Policy | Percentage of Employers |
---|---|
Give employees a day off | 44% |
Do not give employees a day off | 56% |
Require employees to work | 10% |
State and Local Holidays
While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, some states and local governments may observe the holiday on a different day. For example, New York State observes Veterans Day on November 12th, while some cities and towns may observe the holiday on a different day. This can affect work schedules and availability of services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some people do work on Veterans Day, many others do not. Federal employees are given a paid day off, while private sector employees may or may not have the day off, depending on their employer’s policy. Employer policies on Veterans Day can vary widely, and some employers may require employees to work on the holiday. By understanding the history and observance of Veterans Day, we can better appreciate the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.
Additional Resources
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2020). 2020 Employee Benefits Survey.
- Federal Reserve Economic Data. (2020). Veterans Day Holiday Observance.
- National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Veterans Day.