Human Resource Blog

Is Thanksgiving a holiday in California?

How would you respond to this? I am an HR pro in Missouri, and not familiar with California law. My cousin in California emails: Is Thanksgiving a Federal Holiday? We are working in a private company. We are required to work during Thanksgiving Day. Can you comment on this.

In the U.S., unlike some other countries, the federal government does not dictate what holidays a private employer must give to workers (even in California.) Employers are not required to be closed on any holiday. And if they are closed, they can choose to pay or not pay workers, as the employer prefers. Yes, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday. But that only means that the post office and other federal government offices are closed — it does not mean that every private employer must be closed.

Many, many businesses are open on Thanksgiving, including grocery stores, drug stores, gas stations and some retailers. Staff at hotels and motels, and some restaurants (fast food) are needed 365 days per year. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days at many movie theaters. Obviously, those who provide emergency services, including police, firefighters and hospital personnel work on holidays — and we are glad they do! When you watch the football game on TV, not only are the football players, coaches and referees working, so are the cameramen, producers, announcers and hot dog venders. And there are too many other people who work on Thanksgiving to list (including the person who is answering your question!)

So lets all take a minute to list the many things we have to be thankful for, including jobs and the people who provide necessary services on Thanksgiving!