On Monday Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 262 to provide up to eight hours of paid Personal Observance Leave to employees of Cabinet Agencies. Other state agencies, commissions, boards or offices may choose to adopt the policy for their personnel.

The leave may be used by eligible employees for any single shift or calendar day of personal significance, including but not limited to days of cultural or religious importance. This is another step to help ensure that North Carolina can continue to attract, retain and support top talent in its workforce.

“North Carolina is at its best when we celebrate our diversity and show respect for the cultural and faith traditions of all North Carolinians,” Governor Cooper said. “We’re proud of our diverse, talented state government workforce and encourage employees to use this leave to observe a date that’s important to them, their family or their community.”

Personal Observance Leave will become available to eligible state employees for use beginning no later than June 16. This means that employees scheduled to work on Sunday, June 19 may request to use this leave to observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, or may use it for a future occasion of importance to them. Likewise, employees with Monday-Friday work schedules may request to use this leave the Friday before or Monday after Juneteenth.

Goldsboro will be celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday June 18th at The Hub in downtown Goldsboro.