In 2004, Christmas and New Years fall on Saturdays. They are listed in our employee manual as 'paid holidays'. Can we refuse to give the time off or pay for them since they fall on the weekend?

Rita Risser replies:

The law does not require paid holidays, so the fact that you give paid holidays is voluntary and a matter of contract law. For employees who work Monday through Friday, yes, you can refuse to pay for these days. For employees scheduled to work Saturday, they must be given holiday pay per policy. Out of the kindness of your heart, you could give employees the day or half-day before the holiday. In that case, they should receive holiday pay.