Holiday & Governor's Holiday Pay

General Information on Holidays

Holidays are prorated for part time employees.  Employees working flex schedules of more than eight hours a day must request annual leave for the extra hours beyond eight or arrange to make up the time during the week of observance.  

There are 11 Legal Holidays listed in the statutes, listed on the DPA's website linked to the Holiday Schedules button above.  Days off declared by the Governor are considered Governor's Holidays and are not Holidays defined by statute.  Governor's Holidays are coded as Administrative Leave - Governor's Holiday in Kronos.  

If the Governor issues a Governor's Holiday, an email will be sent to all state employees to inform them.  The Payroll team will ensure all employees have the proper hours (prorated for part-time) added to their timecards.  Below is an FAQ for the Holiday that was granted for July 2023.

Options When Working on a Holiday for Non-Exempt Employees

Holidays should be observed but if you are a Non-Exempt employee required to work on the holiday by your supervisor you may choose to take an Alternate Holiday at a later date or receive Holiday Premium Pay.

Holiday Premium Pay pays time and a half for all hours worked on the Holiday.

Holiday Premium Pay DOES NOT apply to a Governor's Holiday.

If you are required to work the Governor's Holiday you can use the hours at a later date before the end of the fiscal year, June 30th.

Working on a Holiday for Exempt Employees

If you are an Exempt employee required to work on the holiday you may take an Alternate Holiday on a future date.

Alternate Holidays

Alternate Holidays must be taken before June 30 each year.

César Chávez Day  

Agency directors have the discretion to grant requests for César Chávez Day (March 31) in lieu of another holiday within the same fiscal year.  When granting such requests, the agency must be open and minimally operational on both days (holiday and March 31) and employees must be able to perform work.

How to Check Accrual and Holiday Balances

Shift Differential, On Call, and Holiday Premium Pay Job Aid

Juneteenth Established as New State Holiday

Supervisors: How to Check Your Employees Accrual and Holiday Balances in Kronos

Governor's Holiday FAQ

These frequently asked questions have been developed to support State employees in understanding the administrative leave day granted by the governor, known as a governor’s holiday. Governor's Holiday

Q: What is the governor’s holiday?

A: It is administrative leave the governor grants to State employees during the holidays. The intent is to reward all permanent, full-time and part-time State employees with time off in the spirit of a holiday(s) and to show appreciation for State service.

Q: What day off is the Governor granting for 2023?

A: The governor has designated and granted the day after Thanksgiving as a governor’s holiday.  He also granted July 3, 2023.

Legal Holiday Observed Every Year

Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov. 23

Additional Day Granted for 2023

Friday after Thanksgiving Day - Nov. 24

Q: Why is the governor’s holiday granted in the form of Administrative Leave?

A: Pursuant to C.R.S. 24-11-101.(1), eleven legal holidays (including Juneteenth) are observed and "...any day appointed or recommended by the governor of this state or the president of the United States as a day of fasting or prayer or thanksgiving, are hereby declared to be legal holidays..." 

Given that the aforementioned day off declared by the governor is not a holiday as defined by statute, Administrative Leave is granted pursuant to rule because an appointing authority can release employees from their official duties for the good of the State and recognize employees for their special accomplishments.