Juneteenth was long celebrated as a regional holiday but now is being celebrated across the country and as an official holiday right here in Boston.
Does Ma recognize Juneteenth?
“Juneteenth Independence Day” is now an official Massachusetts state holiday. June 19, 2021 will be the first day Juneteenth is celebrated officially in Massachusetts, and Commonwealth employees will receive paid holiday benefits for it this year.
Is Juneteenth a paid holiday in MA?
Last summer, as part of a COVID-19-related spending bill, the Massachusetts legislature added Juneteenth Independence Day (June 19) to the list of premium pay holidays in the Commonwealth’s “Blue Laws.” Juneteenth now joins New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day as …
What is the real date of Juneteenth?
June 19
| Juneteenth | |
|---|---|
| Date | June 19 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | June 19, 1866 (celebration) June 19, 2021 (federal holiday) |
| Related to | Emancipation Day |
Who gets Juneteenth off in MA?
Employees in the Legislature will all get the same day off — Friday, June 18 — in observance of the holiday, while executive branch employees will get a floating day off and state offices will remain open.
Is Juneteenth time and a half in Massachusetts?
For Memorial Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, your employer must pay you 1.3 times your regular rate during 2020, 1.2 times your regular rate during 2021, and 1.1 times your regular rate during 2022.
Do I have to work on Juneteenth in Massachusetts?
Unlike some of the 12 state holidays, businesses are not required to close for Juneteenth or give employees flexible time off, though retail businesses covered by the Blue Laws must pay an employee 1.2 times their normal rate this year, and cannot force an employee to work on June 19.
Are schools closed for Juneteenth in Massachusetts?
Schools: Varies. Cambridge public schools will be closed on June 18 for the holiday. Some area universities, including Harvard and Boston University, also plan to observe the holiday on June 18.
Do Massachusetts state employees get Juneteenth off?
Reminder for Employers: Juneteenth is a Now a State Holiday in Massachusetts. Employers: take note that Juneteenth is now an official state holiday in Massachusetts. The June 19 holiday celebrates the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the former confederate states.
Will I get time and a half for Juneteenth 2021?
A: Unless obligated by contract or agreement, private employers are generally not required to provide paid time off to non-exempt employees (those entitled to minimum wage and overtime) on any holiday*, including Juneteenth.
