California Labor Federation Applauds Assembly Approval of Paid Sick Days Measure
Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

 

All California workers deserve the opportunity to earn a few paid sick days per year to care for themselves or family members when illness strikes. Today, we’re one step closer to that important goal.

We applaud the California Assembly for approving AB 1522, which would allow workers to earn three paid sick days per year after 90 days of employment. The landmark measure, authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, is a win-win for workers and businesses, providing much-needed peace of mind to more than 5 million Californians who currently have no paid sick days on the job. 

No one should be forced to choose between going to work sick or putting food on the table for their families. Yet, that’s precisely the gut-wrenching choice millions of workers must make when an illness hits them or a member of their family. When people are forced to go to work sick, it puts workers and consumers at risk, especially in industries like retail and food service, which are some of the least likely to provide earned sick days.  Responsible businesses recognize the benefits and are joining labor unions, worker and health care advocates and more than 85 percent of Californians in supporting paid sick days.

We strongly urge the California State Senate to follow suit by swiftly approving AB 1522 to provide desperately needed relief to millions of California workers.

 

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For more information about the Paid Sick Days campaign, visit us at http://www.californialabor.org and follow us on Twitter @californialabor.