The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners unanimously made a trailblazing decision to approve plans that will allow employees to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday for the first time. 

In recognition of the importance of Juneteenth as the oldest known celebration of emancipation of slaves in the United States, MWRD officials sought a way to more fully recognize the day. Although Juneteenth is observed each year on June 19, the occasion is officially celebrated in Illinois on the third Saturday in June annually. With this change, the MWRD gives employees the choice to use June 19 as their one additional holiday selection each year. 

In addition to Juneteenth, the additional holiday choices for MWRD employees include the days preceding or following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Read the full press release:
200807_Juneteenth.pdf