In Russia, the labor law stipulates that all full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of 28 calendar days of paid vacation leave annually. This is approximately 20 working days based on a standard five-day workweek.

Employees are eligible for their full vacation entitlement after a one-year service with their employer. However, a proportionate amount of leave can be taken before completing one year, calculated based on the number of months worked. It's also possible for employers and employees to agree on taking vacation leave before six months of service, but this leave would be unpaid.

Leave Scheduling and Carryover

The law requires that at least one vacation period must be at least 14 days long and uninterrupted. The remaining days can be taken in smaller portions throughout the year, as agreed between the employer and employee. If there's any unused vacation leave, it can be carried over to the following year, with no legal limit on accumulation.

Additional Leave Entitlements

Certain categories of employees are entitled to extended annual leave beyond the minimum 28 days. These include employees under 18 years old, those working in hazardous or difficult conditions, certain professions like teachers, and employees working in the Far North regions of Russia. The specific amount of additional leave varies depending on the category.

Russia celebrates a variety of national holidays throughout the year, commemorating historical events, cultural traditions, and religious observances. Here's a breakdown of some key public holidays.

Major National Holidays

• New Year Holiday (January 1st - 8th): This extended celebration marks the beginning of the new year. Many businesses close during this period.
• Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7th): Following the Julian calendar, Russia celebrates Christmas on a different date than most Western countries.
• Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23rd): Honors veterans and members of the Russian armed forces.
• International Women's Day (March 8th): A day to celebrate and appreciate women.
• Spring and Labour Day (May 1st): Marks International Workers' Day.
• Victory Day (May 9th): Commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. A solemn and significant day in Russia.
• Russia Day (June 12th): Celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in 1990, a pivotal step towards Russian independence.
• Unity Day (November 4th): Honors the end of the Time of Troubles, a period of civil war and foreign intervention in the early 17th century.

Additional Considerations

• Some holidays may have additional days off surrounding them, depending on the day of the week they fall on.
• Russia also observes several other religious holidays and commemorative days that are not official non-working days but hold cultural significance.

In Russia, labor law provides various leave provisions to employees, ensuring they have time off for rest, recuperation, and personal obligations. The key types of leave mandated by the Russian Labour Code (RLC) are as follows:

Mandatory Leave

• Annual Vacation Leave: All full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of 28 calendar days of paid vacation leave each year. This leave is intended for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to paid sick leave upon presenting a medical certificate from a doctor. The minimum duration for sick leave is 15 days for regular illnesses or injuries. More complex medical situations may require approval from a medical board for extended leave.

• Maternity Leave: Female employees are granted 140 days of fully paid maternity leave, consisting of 70 days prenatal and 70 days postnatal leave. This leave is compensated by the Social Insurance Fund.

• Paternity Leave: Fathers are entitled to 10 days of paid paternity leave upon the birth of a child, provided they submit a birth certificate.

Additional Leave Options

• Parental Leave: Employees with children under 14 years old can take unpaid leave to care for a sick child. The duration of this leave depends on the severity of the child's illness.

• Educational Leave: Employees enrolled in educational programs can request leave to complete exams or coursework. Leave duration and payment terms are determined by agreement with the employer.

• Unpaid Leave: Employees can request unpaid leave for personal reasons beyond the mandatory leave categories. However, employers are not obligated to grant such leave, and the duration is subject to negotiation.

Please note that this information provides a general framework. Specific details and exceptions regarding leave entitlements may vary depending on employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and industry regulations.