In Guam, there is no legal requirement for private-sector employers to provide a minimum vacation leave entitlement to their employees. This implies that employers in the private sector of Guam are not legally bound to offer any paid vacation leave to their workers. However, vacation leave is frequently provided as a perk to attract and retain employees, with the specific entitlement, accrual, and compensation terms being determined by individual employers.

Important Considerations

For the specific vacation leave provisions applicable to you, always refer to your employment contract. If any, your company's handbook or policies will provide the details of your vacation leave benefits. It's important to note that federal government employees in Guam adhere to the federal vacation leave accrival system.

Public holidays in the United States are largely controlled by private sector employers, who employ approximately 62% of the total U.S. population. These holidays are typically observed on days that have significance for various sectors of American society and are designed to allow for nationwide observance.

Fixed Date Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January): A day to honor the civil rights leader.
• Presidents' Day (Third Monday in February): A day to honor all U.S. presidents.
• Guam Discovery Day (First Monday in March): This day commemorates the European discovery of Guam in 1521.
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May): A day to honor those who have died in military service.
• Independence Day (July 4th): This day celebrates the United States' Declaration of Independence.
• Liberation Day (July 21st): This day commemorates the liberation of Guam from Japanese occupation during WWII.
• Labor Day (First Monday in September): A day to honor the American labor movement.
• Columbus Day (Second Monday in October): This day commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas.
• Veterans Day (November 11th): A day to honor all military veterans.
• Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November): A day for giving thanks and spending time with family.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Additional Holidays Sometimes Observed

• All Souls' Day (November 2nd): A Catholic observance, sometimes designated as a government holiday.

In Guam, there are several types of leave available to employees, depending on their employment sector and specific circumstances.

Vacation Leave

For employees in the private sector, Guam's labor laws do not mandate paid vacation leave. Employers may offer vacation leave at their discretion, with terms outlined in employment contracts or company policies. On the other hand, Government of Guam employees may have specific vacation leave entitlements based on their job classification and years of service.

Sick Leave

In the private sector, there's no legal requirement for employers in Guam to provide paid sick leave. However, some employers might offer sick leave as a benefit. Similar to vacation leave, Government of Guam employees may have sick leave entitlements based on their job classification and years of service.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Employees in Guam may be eligible for unpaid, job-protected leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if they meet specific criteria regarding employer size, hours worked, and reasons for leave.

Other Types of Leave

Guam law may provide for leave when employees are summoned for jury duty. Details on whether this is paid or unpaid might vary. Additionally, Guam laws may offer protections and potentially leave provisions for employees serving in the military reserves or National Guard.