U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) is pushing to enact a national paid time off policy, arguing the legislation is a matter of fairness and respect for workers.
Under current law, nearly one in five U.S. workers do not have access to paid annual vacation leave. Magaziner says the legislation would change that by requiring employers to provide employees with at least two weeks of paid leave per year.
“Americans who put in an honest day’s work deserve to take time off, and I’m proud to introduce the PTO Act to make this a reality for all,” Magaziner said. “This is a matter of fairness and respect in the workplace. No one works harder than American workers, and they have earned a break.”
The proposed legislation would also protect workers from discrimination who exercise their right to take paid time off.
“By ensuring that employees who work full-time can earn no less than two weeks of paid annual leave per year, this legislation will provide our members with the opportunity to rest and recharge. This paid time off is crucial not just for their health and well-being, but also for the quality of care they can provide to their patients. When caregivers are well-rested, they can deliver higher-quality, more compassionate care. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Magaziner for his commitment to this important cause and look forward to seeing this bill passed for the benefit of all our members,” said Alex Moore, political director at SEIU 1199NE.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
