It’s a historic day for California workers. This morning in Los Angeles, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1522, a landmark bill to allow more than 6.5 million workers to earn paid sick days on the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

California Labor Federation Executive-Secretary Treasurer Art Pulaski:

Gov. Brown reaffirmed our state’s role as a national leader in advancing the fundamental rights of working people. California is now just the second state in the country to require that workers are able to earn a few paid sick days per year. This law should spur national discussion on paid sick days, creating a path for the United States to join more than 130 other countries around the globe in providing this basic right to workers.

By signing this important bill into law, the Governor put an end to the cruel Hobson’s choice that more than 6.5 million workers face when deciding whether to go to work sick or lose wages that keep food on the table for their families. This law protects workers and consumers, and is vital to public health.

Unfortunately, the final version of the bill excluded home care workers, who heroically care for those with long-term illnesses and disabilities. That’s an omission that needs to be corrected.

Pulaski:

While this law is a historic step forward, California’s unions won’t rest until every single worker in our state receives equal access to paid sick days. Home care workers, like all workers, deserve the opportunity to earn paid sick days on the job. We’ll continue to fight for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers to ensure that California treats all workers with fairness and dignity.