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Aug. 26, 2008 – Senator White reminds the public and businesses that employees are entitled to two hours a month education leave for their children without penalty.
With the opening of the 2008-2009 school year, Senator White is reminding businesses and the general public that employees with children in public schools are entitled to two hours a month off from work to visit with their children, teachers, counselors and other school officials.
"Since 1996, the Virgin Islands has made it legal policy to encourage parental involvement with their children's school activities," said Senator White. "Act 6124 allows full-time employees to have two hours off per month with their children without loss of pay or benefits."
The Act applies to government employees and private sector employees working for companies receiving EDC benefits or tax breaks under Act 4740, better known as 0411.
"With everything happening today with our young people, it makes sense for a business to allow their employees a couple hours a month to participate in any school matter involving children," said Senator White. "Parents do need to notify their bosses in advance that they need the leave and must provide proof to their employer of the school activity or visit."
While the law only applies to government employees and employees of businesses that receive tax breaks, Senator White is also calling on every business to act with civic responsibility and allow their employees time to deal with their children's education without penalty.
"We can only legally compel government agencies and tax-break recipients to allow parents to tend to their children's education without loss of income. However, I believe that it is all of our responsibilities to insure that our children are educated properly. Therefore, I ask for those businesses not covered under the law to be kind and let their employees help their children without penalty. For those businesses that the law covers, I expect that you will allow your employees their 2 hours paid education leave a month without problems," concluded Senator White.
