As the holiday season approaches, many Ohio workers anticipate time off for celebrations and family gatherings. However, not everyone may receive guaranteed leave during this period.
Employer Requirements for Christmas Work
In Ohio, private employers generally have the legal authority to require employees to work on Christmas and other holidays. Only Massachusetts and Rhode Island have specific laws restricting such requirements. While Christmas is an official state holiday in Ohio, this designation primarily benefits public-sector workers, not those in private employment.
State employees required to work on holidays are entitled to overtime pay or compensatory time under the Ohio Revised Code. This applies to various positions including state troopers, university professors, and healthcare workers at state facilities.
Religious Accommodations
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers must provide reasonable accommodation for employees' religious beliefs unless it creates undue hardship. The Supreme Court's decision in Groff v. DeJoy established that employers must accommodate religious practices unless doing so would cause a substantial burden on business operations.
While Christian employees aren't automatically exempt from Christmas work, employers must seriously consider accommodation requests for religious observance.
Holiday Pay Regulations
Some businesses voluntarily offer premium pay for holiday work, but Ohio law doesn't require private employers to provide extra compensation for holiday hours. Pay requirements are governed federally by the Fair Labor Standards Act, which mandates overtime only when employees exceed 40 weekly hours.
Business Operation Restrictions
Ohio previously had "blue laws" restricting retail operations on Sundays and holidays, but these provisions were largely repealed by the 2000s. Current state law doesn't restrict retail operations during holidays.
Government Employee Holidays
Federal employees may receive additional days off around Christmas through executive orders, but state employees in Ohio might not receive the same benefits. While Ohio typically follows the federal holiday calendar, additional days off for state workers hadn't been confirmed as of mid-December.
