How is your Presidents’ Day going?
Are you enjoying a day off, watching the Olympics, shopping, or, unfortunately, working?
If you work for the government or postal service or are a teacher or bank teller, you probably have the day off. However, only about a third of private employers give their workers a day off on Presidents’ Day.
America is the only developed nation that has no legal requirement for any paid days off, according to an article in The Guardian. The next worst off workers are in Japan and Canada, which mandate at least 10 and 19 paid days off a year, respectively. European nations ensure at least 20 days with many giving 25-plus.
Presidents’ Day is actually Washington’s Birthday, observed the third Monday of February in honor George Washington, the first president of the United States. The date is commonly called Presidents’ Day and many groups honor the legacy of past presidents on this date.
Nathan Raab, writing for Forbes in the article “Five Things Presidents’ Day Reveals About Us,” says what retailers call something is more important than what the government does.
Raab also says there were warnings during the 1960s that if Washington’s Birthday was changed from the actual date of his birth, Feb. 22, people would lose track of the meaning of the holiday and employees at retail stores would have to work on the holiday. Both warnings have come true.
So, to those working and not working, best wishes on Washington’s Birthday.
And, be sure and take the time to look at my article, “Presidents’ Day Is a Good Time to Celebrate Democracy,” for suggestions on celebrating democracy on this important holiday.
For more information for boomer consumers, see my blog The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide.