As the beginning of May approaches, many Lithuanians begin planning their long weekend, but at the same time, a practical question arises - will they have to go to work on May 1st?
May 1st is an official public holiday in Lithuania – International Workers' Day. This day is included in the list of holidays provided for in the Labor Code of the Republic of Lithuania, therefore it is a day off for many employees. This holiday marks workers' solidarity, social justice and workers' rights, and its roots date back to the end of the XNUMXth century.
Who will have this day off and who won't?
According to current legislation, May 1 is not mandatory for those who have a standard work schedule and are not classified as essential services. However, some sectors - such as healthcare, public safety, energy or transportation - may have exceptions. Employees in these sectors often work on a rotating schedule or in shifts, so May 1 may be a working day for them.
It is also worth noting that if an employee works on this day, he or she is entitled to additional payment - no less than double the salary, as provided for by the Labor Code.
This year – midweek
In 2025, May 1 falls on a Thursday. This means that some may be able to make a long weekend by taking Friday, May 2, off. Such a mini-vacation period becomes attractive for both travel and recreation in Lithuania.
For the vast majority of workers, May 1st is a day off. However, if you work in a specific field or on a non-standard schedule, it is worth checking your working conditions. If you are planning a longer vacation, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the extra day off and enjoy spring.