As a full-time working mother of two young boys aged 5 and 8, I have experienced firsthand the strain of navigating PTO policies during inclement weather. My employer's policy insists that "employees are expected to work during inclement weather and should plan ahead as PTO will not be allowed". Consequently, during a recent inclement weather event, I was left without childcare for five days when schools and paid childcare services were closed. To fulfill my work obligations, I either had to forfeit my income or risk my children's and my safety and wellbeing by attempting to travel to work.

Many workers across North Carolina may be dealing with similar situations, highlighting the need for improvement in PTO guidelines. We propose that the state of North Carolina adopts policies that protect paid time off earned by its employees, granting them the freedom to use it as necessary rather than being dictated by out-of-touch policies.

According to the Department of Labor, when employees don't feel supported in times of crisis, productivity drops and staff turnover increases, causing additional costs for organizations (Department of Labor,2018). By putting these protective measures in place, North Carolina can prioritize its workforce, ensuring they are safeguarded during times of need.

Please support this cause, and enforce the need for protective PTO policies for the benefit of North Carolina's hardworking employees. Sign this petition.