Every year, my fiancée has to carefully plan her Paid Time Off (PTO) usage at the clinic she works for. Instead of enjoying her well-deserved vacation days, she has to reserve them for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas or any holiday that falls within the work week. Why? Because the clinic is closed on these holidays, and if she doesn't use her PTO, she won’t get paid, leaving her paycheck short. This is not just unfair, but it's a struggle no employee should endure.

Clinic employees work tirelessly throughout the year, providing essential services and enriching the health and lives of those in our community. Yet, they are not afforded basic rights such as holiday pay and sick leave. This is a denial of fair treatment and recognition of their hard work and dedication.

In the United States, it's standard practice for many companies to offer additional holiday pay, or compensatory time off, ensuring employees enjoy the holidays without worrying about financial repercussions. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 77% of private industry workers have access to paid holidays. America’s clinics should not be exempt from such standards.

Simple solutions are available. Introducing holiday pay and paid sick leave would not only uplift employee morale but also enhance their capacity to provide quality care to patients. Employers should develop a fair PTO policy, one that includes designated paid holiday leave and allocated sick time, reflective of modern employment standards.

It's crucial to advocate for these changes and recognize the value of clinic employees by aligning their benefits with industry norms. Urging the clinic to implement a policy change could significantly improve the lives of its workforce.

Sign this petition to demand that clinics provide fair holiday and sick pay. Together, we can work towards a fairer workplace for those who care for us every day.