In the U.S. Virgin Islands, private-sector employees are not legally entitled to paid vacation leave. This benefit is typically part of an employment agreement or company policy, rather than a statutory requirement.

No Legal Minimum

There is no legal obligation for private sector employers in the U.S. Virgin Islands to provide paid vacation time to their employees.

Government Employees

However, government employees in the U.S. Virgin Islands do receive annual leave benefits. They are entitled to 26 days of leave per year, not including Sundays. If not used, this leave can accumulate up to a maximum of 60 days.

Common Practices

Despite the lack of a legal mandate, many private employers in the U.S. Virgin Islands offer paid vacation leave. This is often influenced by industry standards, the size of the company, and the employee's role within the organization.

Important Considerations

It's important to note that some employees may have vacation leave provisions included in collective bargaining agreements with their unions. Additionally, individual employment contracts often outline specific details about vacation entitlements, accrual rates, and any associated conditions.

The U.S. Virgin Islands is known for its unique blend of local holidays and those observed across the United States.

Federal Holidays

The U.S. Virgin Islands observe the following federal holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1st)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
• Presidents' Day (Third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
• Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19th)
• Independence Day (July 4th)
• Labor Day (First Monday in September)
• Columbus Day/Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day (Second Monday in October)
• Veterans Day (November 11th)
• Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas Day (December 25th)

Unique U.S. Virgin Islands Holidays

In addition to the federal holidays, the U.S. Virgin Islands also celebrate the following unique holidays:

• Three Kings Day (January 6th)
• Transfer Day (March 31st) - This day commemorates the transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917.
• Virgin Islands Emancipation Day (July 3rd) - This day celebrates the abolition of slavery in the Danish West Indies in 1848.
• Organic Act Day (June 22nd) - This day marks the passage of the Organic Act of 1936, which granted a degree of self-government to the islands.
• Hurricane Supplication Day (Second Monday in July) - This is a day of prayer and reflection during hurricane season.
• Hurricane Thanksgiving Day (Third Monday in October) - This is a day to express gratitude if the territory is spared from severe hurricanes.
• D. Hamilton Jackson Day (Liberty Day) (November 1st) - This day honors a prominent labor leader and journalist in the Virgin Islands.

Festivals as Holidays

The islands also consider vibrant festivals as holidays, during which government offices and many businesses are closed:

• St. Thomas Carnival (April/May)
• St. John Carnival (June/July)
• St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival (December/January)

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are several types of leave available to employees.

Annual Leave

Government employees and many private sector employees are entitled to 26 days of paid annual leave each year, excluding Sundays and holidays. Unused leave can accumulate up to a maximum of 60 days.

Sick Leave

Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of 1¼ days per month. Unused sick leave accumulates and can be advanced up to 180 days with approval. Proof of illness or medical necessity may be required.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to at least eight weeks of maternity leave, which includes four weeks before childbirth and four weeks after. Additional unpaid maternity leave may be granted. Employers cannot terminate employment during maternity leave.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to a short period of paternity leave. The specific length and whether it's paid or unpaid may vary based on employer policies.

Other Types of Leave

Bereavement Leave

Employees may be entitled to bereavement leave for the death of a close family member. The duration may be specified by employer policies or collective bargaining agreements.

Jury Duty Leave

Employers must allow employees time off for jury service. Regulations may exist regarding compensation during jury duty.

Military Leave

Provisions may be in place for employees serving in the military.

Please note that specific leave entitlements and regulations may vary based on industry, employer policies, and collective bargaining agreements.