Do I have to pay for no work on Xmas?

[colleen]

I have a jardinero and maid who work Monday, Wed and Friday. I asked Pancho if he'd like to work on Thursday. He answered that he'd come on Friday. That got me thinking that I probably have to pay for 3 days of work but only have them here on Monday and Friday. Then, if that's the case, I'll probably have to pay them for not working on New Year's Day. What do you guys think or know?

[jesm]

Without delving into legalities I first look at such employee issues in light of my own work experience. Was I required to work on New Years Day? No. Did I get paid for New Years Day? Yes.

[datgnat]

Every year I re-read A Christmas Carol, (for my own betterment, not to snipe at others!) and this passage always comes back to me in my dealings here (where I SEEM wealthy, as compared to many):
“You’ll want all day to-morrow, I suppose?” said Scrooge.
“If quite convenient, Sir.”
“It’s not convenient,” said Scrooge, “and it’s not fair. If I was to stop half-a-crown for it, you’d think yourself ill-used, I’ll be bound?”
The clerk smiled faintly.
“And yet,” said Scrooge, “you don’t think me ill-used, when I pay a day’s wages for no work.”
The clerk observed that it was only once a year.
“A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” said Scrooge, buttoning his great-coat to the chin. “But I suppose you must have the whole day. Be here all the earlier next morning!”
The clerk promised that he would; and Scrooge walked out with a growl.”

[Waymond Smith]

Yes, you must pay them if it's a normal workday for them, it's the law here.