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Since Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in the United States in 2021, governors, mayors and CEOs of major companies have followed suit and given their employees the day off as a paid holiday.
Juneteenth is observed every year on June 19 and marks the anniversary of the freeing of the last enslaved people by federal troops in Galveston, Texas in 1865. This day, nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, is considered the de facto end of slavery in the United States.
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Juneteenth is the first new federal holiday since 1983; the most recent was Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
When is Juneteenth celebrated in 2024?
Juneteenth is Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Who gets Juneteenth as a paid holiday?
Juneteenth is one of 11 federal holidays, along with Christmas and the Fourth of July. Federal organizations such as banks and public schools observe these holidays by giving their employees the day off.
State vs. national regulations
Although Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021 by the Biden administration, certain states and cities adhere to their own regulations, with some having recognized the day as a state holiday long before 2021. New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, Delaware, and Texas had all previously declared Juneteenth a state holiday. When a holiday is recognized at the state level, all government employees and programs have the day off. Private businesses and organizations determine their schedules.
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These major companies have declared Juneteenth their annual company holiday
Well-known companies such as Nike, Target and Best Buy celebrate this day with either free time or additional pay.
Nike announced in 2020 that it would recognize Juneteenth as a paid federal holiday for all of its U.S. and Puerto Rican employees. “Across our entire Nike, Converse and Jordan family, we will close our corporate, retail, manufacturing and distribution operations in observance of Juneteenth to create educational opportunities that honor Black history and culture,” Nike North America communications director Jenna Golden said in an email to NPR.
Ride-sharing app Lyft celebrates Juneteenth as a paid company holiday for all company employees. However, the policy does not apply to Lyft drivers who are independent contractors.
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Zillow also gives its employees the day off for Juneteenth. “As part of our ongoing commitment to racial equality, Zillow observes Juneteenth as a paid company holiday and encourages its employees to use the day for reflection, volunteerism, education and activism to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States,” Zillow Vice President Kristina Adamski said in a statement.
Technology companies like Google have joined in and made Juneteenth a paid company holiday. In recent years, Google has also hosted a company-wide “Juneteenth Day of Learning” before the day off.
Certain retail companies, such as Target and Starbucks, have chosen to remain open but pay their employees 150 times their usual wages on Juneteenth.
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While Amazon has not yet declared Juneteenth a company holiday, it is reportedly taking an “anti-meeting approach” on the day and offering a number of “online learning opportunities.”
Are the stock markets closed on Juneteenth?
US stock markets will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Is the post office open?
U.S. Post Offices will be closed and there will be no mail delivery to USPS residential and business customers on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. However, officials told USA Today that Priority Mail Express will be delivered every day of the year, including Sundays and holidays.
Are banks closed on Juneteenth?
Like most other government businesses, banks are closed on Juneteenth.
Are grocery stores open on Juneteenth?
Most grocery stores and retailers, including Costco, Walmart, Target and Starbucks, will be open on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
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