28 October: private-sector pay rules and the 75% holiday premium
GSEE has issued guidance for the mandatory public holiday on Wednesday 28 October. Pay depends on the payment arrangement and whether the business operates lawfully.
The pay rules for Wednesday 28 October 2026 are outlined by GSEE, through its KEPEA information centre, in guidance issued on 23 October. The day is a mandatory public holiday. The announcement explains the existing framework and announces no new change in the law.
When the business remains closed
The monthly salary is paid normally. For daily-paid employees who do not work on the holiday, GSEE distinguishes:
- Five-day working week: one additional day’s wage for the holiday.
- Six-day working week: the corresponding day’s wage is paid normally, bringing the week’s total to six daily wages.
When employees work
In businesses that lawfully operate on Sundays and holidays, daily-paid employees are entitled to their usual daily wage plus a 75% premium on their statutory hourly rate for the hours worked.
For monthly-paid employees, the 75% premium is calculated on the statutory hourly rate for the hours worked. In a business that normally closes but exceptionally operates after the required legal formalities, a full day’s work additionally attracts 1/25 of the monthly salary actually paid, alongside the premium.
Days off and more favourable terms
GSEE reiterates that an owed rest day cannot be offset against the mandatory holiday. More favourable terms under a collective agreement, workplace rules or established company practice prevail.
Paying the premium does not replace the requirements for lawful operation. Businesses outside the statutory exceptions require the prescribed special Labour Inspectorate permit; the release provides for separate notification to police in emergencies involving a risk of products being destroyed or damage to installations or materials.
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