In Micronesia, understanding vacation leave entitlements requires a deep dive into the relevant labor laws and guidelines. The main framework that governs vacation leave in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is the College of Micronesia-FSM Board Policy 6010. This policy provides a comprehensive outline of the procedures and regulations for different types of leave, including annual vacation leave.

Entitlement

Under Policy 6010, regular employees of the College of Micronesia-FSM (excluding instructional faculty) are entitled to annual vacation leave. The accrual rates are as follows:

• 0-5 years of service: 13 working days per year
• 6-10 years of service: 19.5 working days per year
• Over 10 years of service: 26 working days per year

Key Points

• Approval: Vacation leave requests must be approved in advance by the employee's supervisor, campus director, or the appropriate vice president of the College of Micronesia-FSM.
• Requests exceeding two months: Leave requests beyond two consecutive months require approval from the President of the College of Micronesia-FSM or their designee.
• Sick leave conversion: Under certain circumstances outlined by the policy, employees may convert unused sick leave to vacation leave.

Limitations

The College of Micronesia-FSM Board Policy 6010 primarily applies to employees of the College of Micronesia-FSM. It's important to note that labor regulations and vacation leave entitlements may vary across different sectors or employers within the FSM. For the most accurate and up-to-date information related to a specific employer, it's advisable to consult the relevant employment contract or HR department.

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) celebrates a blend of national and state-specific public holidays. These holidays offer a glimpse into the cultural and historical fabric of the nation.

National Holidays

These holidays are observed throughout all four states of the FSM (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae):

• New Year's Day (January 1st): Marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• Micronesian Day (March 10th): Celebrates the establishment of the Federated States of Micronesia.
• Constitution Day (May 10th): Commemorates the adoption of the FSM Constitution in 1979.
• United Nations Day (October 24th): Honors the founding of the United Nations.
• Independence Day (November 3rd): Marks the FSM's independence from the United States in 1986.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): A widely observed Christian holiday.

State-Specific Holidays

Each state within the FSM has additional holidays unique to its history and culture:

Yap

• Yap Day (March 1st): Celebrates Yapese culture and heritage.
• Yap Liberation Day (July 4th): Commemorates liberation from Japanese occupation during WWII.

Chuuk

• Chuuk Constitution Day (October 1st): Marks the adoption of the Chuuk State Constitution.

Pohnpei

• Gospel Day (August 21st): A religious holiday with Christian significance.
• Pohnpei Liberation Day (September 11th): Commemorates liberation from Japanese occupation.

Kosrae

• Constitution Day (January 11th): Marks the adoption of the Kosrae State Constitution.
• Liberation Day (September 8th): Commemorates liberation from Japanese occupation.

Public holiday dates may occasionally vary slightly from year to year, and some states may observe additional local holidays.

Understanding leave entitlements in Micronesia can be complex, as labor regulations can vary between the private and public sectors, and across the different states within the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Here's a general overview of the common types of leave:

Public Sector Employees

Employees working for the College of Micronesia-FSM can find relevant regulations in the COM-FSM Board Policy 6010. This policy outlines the following types of leave:

• Annual Leave: Regular, non-faculty employees accrue vacation leave based on their years of service.
• Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to sick leave with pay, with the possibility of extended leave in specific circumstances involving extended illness or injury.
• Maternity Leave: Female employees are granted paid maternity leave. Specific duration and regulations may vary depending on the employee's state.
• Bereavement Leave: Employees may be granted a period of leave in the event of the death of a family member.
• Other Leaves: The policy also covers provisions for leaves such as sabbatical leave, administrative leave, and leave without pay.

Private Sector Employees

There is no comprehensive federal labor law in the FSM specifically addressing leave entitlements for private-sector employees. As a result, leave provisions in the private sector are largely determined by individual employment contracts and company policies. These policies can vary significantly between employers.

Key Considerations

• State Variations: Each state within the FSM may have additional regulations in place governing employee leave.
• Best Practice: It's highly recommended to consult specific employment contracts, company HR policies, or relevant state labor departments for detailed and accurate information on leave entitlements in Micronesia.