Rep. Sanchez introduces legislation to pay health care workers overtime on Sundays and holidays
STATE HOUSE – Rhode Island hourly workers earn time-and-half when they work Sundays and holidays, unless they work in an exempted industry, like health care. Rep. Enrique George Sanchez has introduced legislation to remove that exemption for health care workers.
“Some of our lowest-paid health care workers work Sundays and holidays to keep the system working. They deserve to be fairly compensated for their hard work and dedication,” said Representative Sanchez (D-Dist. 9, Providence). “This will not only improve morale among these vital workers but also help attract more people into these professions and make these shifts easier to fill.”
This bill (2024-H 7789) would require that all health care workers and medical direct support professionals employed in a healthcare facility be compensated at time-and-a-half when working on Sundays and holidays.
“Our health care system is facing a staffing crisis. Its sustainability requires staff working every day of the year, but without rewarding the commitment of these workers, we’re going to lose them,” said Representative Sanchez. “It is worth the investment to ensure we still have the workforce to keep our health care facilities running.”
