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Columbus Day is no longer a State holiday
Columbus Day is no longer a State holiday
DPA would like to alleviate any confusion employees may have regarding the status of Columbus Day as a recognized paid holiday.
In February 2009, legislation passed that amended the State holiday provisions in Government Code section 19853. The amendment eliminated two paid holidays, effective March 2009:
- Lincoln's Birthday (February 12)
- Columbus Day (the second Monday in October)
Now, an employee who wants to take time off on Columbus Day must get prior approval from his or her supervisor to use leave credit. If an employee does not receive prior approval from the supervisor, then, just like any other unapproved absence, the employee will not be paid for the day. The absence will be considered absent without leave (AWOL).
For additional information, you may review Personnel Management Liaison memo 2009-017, dated March 25, 2009 and PML 2009-040, dated September 17, 2009.
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Updated January 29, 2010 at 9:50 AM.