VCU Health employees have started an online petition seeking administrative pay to cover hours they lost when outpatient services were closed due to a winter storm. The petition claims that instead of receiving administrative pay, the hospital deducted those hours from employees’ paid time off (PTO). Employees argue that PTO is meant for vacations, personal days, and sick leave, not for closures beyond their control.
The petition, created anonymously by “Employees of VCUHealth,” highlights the unfairness of using PTO during mandated weather closures. It calls for administrative pay instead, which is typically full pay and benefits during events the employer mandates.
According to federal guidelines, employers aren’t required to pay workers for time not worked due to bad weather, but many organizations do. For instance, employees in some federal and local government roles do receive pay in such situations.
A spokesperson for VCU Health, Danielle Pierce, mentioned that the institution has a weather policy aligning with industry standards. While they have made exceptions in the past, like during a water disruption in 2025, they hadn’t received any communication regarding the petition.
During the recent storm, inpatient services remained open, although many outpatient services and some locations were closed on January 26. Roads in the area were hazardous for several days following the storm, leading to challenges for both staff and students as VCU resumed in-person classes on January 29. Some faculty and students expressed frustration over this decision.
Sophia Arabia, a former VCU Health employee, has signed the petition. She noted that VCU tends to require employees to use their PTO for situations outside their control. “Employees shouldn’t have to sacrifice their hard-earned PTO due to circumstances they can’t control,” she said.
One current employee shared their own struggles with the policy, explaining that their generous five weeks of PTO quickly dwindles once holidays are accounted for. This leaves limited time for vacation and unexpected sick days.
As of now, the petition has garnered 75 signatures and is still waiting for a response from VCU Health. It has sparked discussions about employee rights and the necessity of fair pay practices during unforeseen circumstances.
For more information on PTO policies, you can visit Indeed or explore additional insights here: Federal Leave Policies.
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Heciel Nieves Bonilla
