The State of Michigan has designated several days each calendar year as state holidays. The implications of these state holidays on public employers and private employers are discussed below.
The following list contains the state holidays recognized by Michigan.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)
- Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12)
- Washington’s birthday (3rd Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. Michigan’s statute also includes every Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to Sunday at 12:00 a.m. as a holiday. MI Statute 435.102
Public employers
Michigan law does not specifically grant state employees either paid or unpaid time off on holidays.
Private employers
Private employers in Michigan are not required to close on any of the listed holidays. Additionally, private employers are not required to allow employees to take either paid or unpaid time off on the holidays, or are they required to pay employees any premium wage rates to employees who work on the holidays.
Private employers may establish policies or practices granting employees time off on any of the listed holidays or agree to pay premium wage rates to employees who work on those days. Employers who establish such policies or practices may be required to comply with them.
Michigan State Holidays FAQs
Are there state holidays unique to Michigan?
Aside from the holidays mentioned above, Michigan will also have a General Election Day on November 8. This is usually held on the first Tuesday of November during even-numbered years.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year celebrations are also longer in Michigan.
For instance, Thanksgiving Friday (November 25) is considered a holiday. Likewise, December 23 is a Christmas Eve Holiday, December 24 for the actual Christmas Eve celebration, December 26 as an additional Christmas Holiday, and December 30 as a New Year Holiday.
What should business owners in Michigan keep in mind about the holidays?
Employers in Michigan are not required to pay an extra rate atop the regular minimum wage for working legal holidays. It means that it will be legal for a private employer to require workers to work on Christmas, New Year, or any other legal holiday and still pay the base rate.
Fortunately, many employers still provide overtime pay for Michigan workers who opt to work even during the holiday season.
It is also ideal to stay updated on state office closings as regulated by the Michigan Department of Civil Service, just in case you need their services.
It is understandable why certain industries should stay up to date with the holidays to create the necessary pricing adjustments during these days.
There are businesses in Northern Michigan, for instance, that offer low-season rates throughout the end of March.
Finally, there are holidays in Michigan that are not officially recognized but can still lead to schools closing. One good example is November 15, the first day of firearm deer season.
Find out more about Michigan’s Leave Laws.
Federal Holidays
Click here for a list of federal holidays.
