In 2025, May will bring an abundance of holidays for Russians, with a total of eight days off, thanks to the traditional observance of the Spring and Labor Day, as well as Victory Day. This year, the calendar will feature 31 days, out of which 13 will be non-working and 18 will be working days. Notably, nine of these working days will fall on regular weekends, while four will coincide with official holidays.
The holiday festivities will commence from May 1 to May 4 in celebration of the Spring and Labor Day, followed by another break from May 8 to May 11 for Victory Day. Additionally, standard weekends will occur on May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31. Importantly, April 30 will be a shortened working day, allowing employees to prepare for the upcoming holidays.
According to Russian labor laws, if any payment date for pensions or salaries lands on a holiday, it must be made in advance. This regulation ensures that beneficiaries receive their funds without delay, even during festive periods. The payment schedule will vary depending on how individuals receive their pensions—either through a bank card or via postal services.
For those receiving pensions via bank cards, there are two scenarios. If the payment is due between May 1 and May 5, it does not need to be disbursed early since May 5 is a working day. However, to avoid overloading the banking system, many organizations opt to transfer payments early, resulting in pensions arriving on April 29 or 30. Alternatively, if the pension is scheduled for May 6 to May 11, payments will be made between May 5 and 7 to ensure timely delivery.
For pensioners who prefer postal delivery, the timing of payments will depend on the operating schedule of their local post office. If the post office operates on a five-day week, the payment dates will mirror those for bank card recipients. Thus, payments due from May 1 to May 5 would shift to April 29-30, while those from May 6 to May 11 would be made from May 5 to 7. However, if the post office operates on a six-day schedule, pensions may be issued on May 2-3 or May 10, depending on the standard payment period.
The Social Fund of Russia has released a payment schedule for pensions and social benefits at post offices in St. Petersburg. According to this schedule, payments due on May 3-4 will be made on May 2, while those on May 7-8 will be paid on May 7, and payments on May 9-11 will be made on May 8. It’s crucial to keep in mind that technical delays may occur during pre-holiday periods due to high banking loads or individual operational schedules of banks and post offices.
When it comes to salaries, the same rules apply. If the payment date falls on a holiday, salaries must be disbursed before the holidays begin. Typically, payment dates are defined in labor contracts, with salaries being paid at least twice a month. For May, the timing of salary payments is particularly significant, especially for those receiving their first paycheck of the month for the previous period.
If the salary is scheduled to be paid between April 30 and May 4, it must be paid by April 30. If it falls between May 5 and 7, it will be paid as usual. However, if the payment period is set from May 8 to 11, salaries must be disbursed by May 7. Similar rules apply to vacation pay, which is crucial for employees taking short breaks during the May holidays.
Employees planning to take vacation days at the end of April can benefit from this timing. If vacation starts on May 1, the payment for those days should be made by April 25 or 28. If the vacation begins on May 5, the payment should be made by April 30, and for a vacation starting on May 8, it should be paid by April 30 or May 5. If the vacation begins on May 12, the payment is due by May 7.
While the total salary for May will remain consistent since it compensates for the period worked outside of holidays, there may be variations in advance payments. Given that from May 1 to May 15, employees will only work seven days, the advance payment, typically made in the 20s of the month, will be proportionately less. However, employers are expected to cover any shortfall in the final salary payment.
Experts advise employees to prepare for potential financial uncertainties during this holiday period. It’s recommended to create a financial cushion, ideally setting aside 10-15% of one’s salary. This strategy can help mitigate unexpected delays in payments and ensure employees are not left without funds during the festive season.
Additionally, it’s wise to avoid making large purchases or planning significant trips during this time to prevent financial strain. By managing expectations and preparing in advance, employees can navigate the holiday season with greater ease and confidence.
As the May holidays approach, it’s essential for workers to stay informed about payment schedules and their rights regarding holiday work. In cases where employees are asked to work on holidays, employers must secure consent and provide proper notice, unless in emergency situations where immediate action is needed.
In summary, the May holidays in 2025 promise to be a time of relaxation and celebration for many Russians, but they also require careful planning regarding finances and work commitments to ensure a smooth experience.
