# Overlapping Holidays and Inauguration Day
Federal employees in the D.C. area are preparing for an unusual scenario this year: Inauguration Day falls on the same date as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has made it clear that despite the coincidence of these two federal holidays, employees will only receive one day off.
Typically, when a holiday coincides with a weekend, OPM announces an alternate day off. However, this situation is unique, and there will be no additional leave granted on January 20, as confirmed in a recent memo to various agencies. Federal employees who work on that day, excluding those in Senior Executive Service positions, will be eligible for holiday premium pay.
In contrast to the previous Inauguration Day in January 2021, when many employees enjoyed a three-day workweek, this year’s overlap will limit employees’ time off. The last occurrence of this dual holiday was in 1997 during President Bill Clinton’s second term.
Additionally, the government will observe another federal holiday on January 9 to honor the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, adding to the complexity of scheduling for federal workers this month.
With the inauguration ceremony occurring at noon on January 20, noncareer appointees who resign that day will be compensated for hours worked prior to that time, underlining the unique procedures taking place during this historic overlap.
Unique Overlap: Federal Holiday Changes and What It Means for Workers
# Overlapping Holidays and Inauguration Day
This year presents an extraordinary scenario for federal employees in the Washington, D.C., area as Inauguration Day coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has clarified that employees will receive only one day off, despite the overlap of these two significant federal holidays.
### Reduced Time Off for Federal Workers
Typically, when a holiday falls on a weekend, the OPM provides an alternate day off for federal employees. However, due to the unique situation this year, no additional leave will be granted on January 20. Federal employees working that day, excluding those in Senior Executive Service positions, will be eligible for holiday premium pay. This adjustment marks a shift from the previous Inauguration Day in January 2021, which allowed many employees a three-day workweek due to a different scheduling approach.
### The Historical Context
This isn’t the first time such overlap has occurred; the last instance dates back to 1997, during President Bill Clinton’s second term. Historically, overlapping holidays can affect planning and operations for agencies and workers alike, making this year’s situation particularly noteworthy.
### Additional Federal Holiday Consideration
Adding to the complexities, the government will also recognize a federal holiday on January 9 to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter. This observance further complicates scheduling and time management for federal employees in January.
### Implications for Federal Employees
With the inauguration ceremony set for noon on January 20, it’s essential for noncareer appointees who resign that day to understand their compensation; they will receive pay for the hours worked before the ceremony. This reiterates the need for clarity during such unique transitions, especially in an environment where timing and operations are crucial.
### FAQs About the Overlapping Holidays
**Q: What should federal employees expect regarding time off on January 20?**
A: Federal employees will only receive one day off despite the overlap of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day.
**Q: Will federal employees who work on January 20 receive any additional compensation?**
A: Yes, those working that day are eligible for holiday premium pay, except for Senior Executive Service employees.
**Q: Are there any other holidays to consider in January?**
A: Yes, January 9 will be observed as a federal holiday in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, adding to the scheduling complexities.
**Q: How rare is this overlap of holidays?**
A: Such overlaps are rare, with the last instance occurring in 1997 during President Clinton’s second term.
For further information about federal holidays and policies, you can visit the [Office of Personnel Management](https://www.opm.gov) website.
