WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)— Democratic lawmakers proposed legislation on Wednesday that would guarantee two weeks of paid time off per year for U.S. workers.
“We are one of the few developed countries in the world that does not guarantee any paid time off for working people,” Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) said. “In Europe every single country guarantees at least 20 paid days off. Some guarantee as many as 30.”
The “Protected Time Off Act,” introduced by Rep. Magaziner, would give paid vacation to nearly 27 million Americans who currently don’t have access to PTO. It would mandate employers provide one hour of paid annual leave for every 25 hours worked.
“This is not a handout; this is something that people have worked for,” Magaziner said.
Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Greg Casar (D-Texas.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas.) are co-sponsors of the bill. Democratic lawmakers joined by union leaders held a press conference on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to garner support.
“Those who are most in need of time off are the ones who can least afford to take it unpaid,” Political Director with UNITE-HERE, Susan Valentine said. She emphasized that denying workers the basic benefit of paid time off perpetuates inequality.
Supporters of the bill also argue it highlights the importance of families being able to spend time together.
“Too many parents can’t hold their child’s hand during chemotherapy. Too many of us cannot help our loved ones adjust to rehab or memory care. Too many of us are missing our baby’s first smile or our parent’s last breath because we cannot get away from work,” Senior Vice President at MomsRising, Ruth Martin said.
Rep. Magaziner said the bill currently has 40 co-sponsors, but that the House is still working to build support for the measure.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is expected to offer a companion bill within the Senate. Legislation on federal policy regarding paid time off has yet to pass through Congress. Individual states have been left to determine their own paid leave rights.