Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Monday marks the first Juneteenth federal holiday. New York, Erie County and most municipalities are also formally recognizing the holiday.
This is the second year Buffalo city employees have Juneteenth off. "It's such an important recognition of African American History and struggle and success in this country. Juneteenth is a celebration of a man immense emancipation, from slavery for African Americans," says Mayor Byron Brown. He says it's important to use the day off to reflect on the history of African Americans in this country.
While public sector employees are getting today off, not everyone in the private sector is.
Andy Challenger of Challenger, Gray and Christmas says private companies aren't required to give employees Juneteenth off. "There's about 30% of private companies have decided to add it to their mix of days off, and we'll probably start to see that grow as the holiday grows in recognition across the country," says Challenger. He believes there's a big reason why. "I think it is a valuable way for companies to just cement their their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is on the top of everyone's minds right now," explains Challenger. He adds job candidates employees are taking the way companies are treating diversity really seriously today.
Challenger says he's seen a number of companies not give other federal holidays like Columbus Day off or President's Day off as a tradeoff for Juneteenth. "June is a good time to give a day off in the middle of summer. There's a lot of people on vacation during that time anyways. So it might be a more favorable day to give employees off for other reasons other than it's just a great way to celebrate the diversity of your organization," notes Challenger.
Challenger says there is growth. Last year, 8% of private companies gave employees Juneteenth off, when it was a state holiday. This year, it's at 30%. He says growth is a trend he expects to continue in the coming years.
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