Target: Virginia Foxx, Chair of U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce
Goal: Advocate for guaranteed time off for employees’ different religious observances.
President Biden followed in the footsteps of other recent presidents by declaring Christmas Eve a federal holiday. This proclamation means that most employees of the federal government will enjoy an extra day off. At times when Christmas Eve is considered a federal holiday, it means that two of the twelve recognized federal holidays are reserved for a religious observance.
But what about major holidays for other religions? Hanukkah, for example, often occurs close to Christmas. If an individual wants days off for celebration of another religion’s observance, the employee must request the days off weeks or months in advance. Even then, approval of the time off is at the discretion of the employer. And when approved, the employee must still work alternate hours to make up for the time taken off.
Sign the petition below to urge Congress to remedy this oversight that creates inequality amongst workers.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chair Foxx,
Christmas – and now Christmas Eve – has been recognized as federal celebrations for many years, despite what the Constitution has declared about the separation between church and state. But millions of federal employees would love to have a different time period off to celebrate their own sacred holidays. These employees must go through a lengthy process, however, in which they must compensate for any time taken off for religious observances. Their time off is not even a certainty.
Please find a fair solution to this glaring discrepancy. Whether it be guaranteed federal time off at a time of the employee’s choosing or whether it be in the creation of more federal holidays, ensure all Americans’ traditions and observances are respected.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Cottonbro
41 Signatures