Did you know that the United States is one of the few industrialized nations that do not have mandatory paid vacation time?  

According to the Department of Labor over a quarter of the United States workforce service does not have paid vacation time.  This is a travesty and makes me wonder whether or not our politicians support the American worker or the corporations that stuff their pockets.

Traditionally, Mormons are known for their work ethic.  Many of our ancestors also knew when to take a vacation.  For instance, Los Angeles was a favorite spot for many prophets, and early Saints.  Many European Saints are shocked when they hear that American workers aren't granted an opportunity to take a paid vacation. 

Here are a few reasons why I think we should support mandatory paid vacation laws.

• The people who are mostly hurt by not having vacation time are low wage workers.  Most of these workers do difficult jobs without ever getting a respite from their work.  Also, think of all of the Young Women, Young Men, and Scout leaders who aren’t able to go to camps and other activities that support their Wards and Church.  Does the future of the Church (our youth) benefit because many of their leaders aren't able to take a vacation to support them?  What does this say to families who never have time to spend with each other?

• The tourist industry (the Marriotts included) is hurt by laws that keep workers from going on vacation.  Recently, Hotels.com launched a website that promotes more vacation time.    The American tourist industry realizes the economic benefits of having our workers take a vacation.

• Morally, it’s the right thing to do.  Several times in the scriptures, we are commanded to take a break.  Yet, many Americans and lawmakers have the attitude that breaks and vacations are only meant for the wealthy and those who are economically secure enough to deserve a break from work.  Not only this, the Corporations that do not allow their workers a paid vacation time are hurt in the long run.  Too often their workers become worn out because they work so hard and can't afford to take time off without pay.    

Do Brother Marriott a favor and support a paid vacation mandate.

Works Cited

http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ebs/sp/ebnr0020.pdf. (2014, July 25). Retrieved February 2015, from BLS.GOV: http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ebs/sp/ebnr0020.pdf

Rebecca Ray, M. S. (2014). No Vacation Nation Revisited. Washington D.C.: Research Center for Economic and Policy.