A new bill would require most employers to give workers at least one week of paid vacation every year.
Under the Paid Vacation Act, introduced to the House of Representatives on May 21, companies with at least 100 employees would have to give all (full- and part-time) workers a paid week off each year after they’re employed for 12 months.
Three years after the law’s passed, the requirements would get tougher — previously covered employers would need to offer two paid weeks of vacation, and companies with at least 50 employees would need to offer one week.
The idea for the bill came to Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) while he was visiting Disney World, Politico reports. He says mandatory vacations will make employees happier and more productive, cut down on illnesses and stimulate the economy (especially in Grayson’s district, which includes Orlando).
The Paid Vacation Act was introduced just days after the Healthy Families Act (HFA), which would make paid sick leave mandatory.
What are the odds it’ll pass?
The bill has two co-sponsors (compared to the HFA’s 101), and many opponents have argued that now is not the right time to be adding this kind of burden to companies.
However, the bill’s supporters point out that 25% of American employees get no vacation time, and that 147 other countries have paid vacation laws.
We’ll keep you posted.
