Paid sick days - Reich on FB

[ashling]

Paid sick leave should be a basic employment right, along with at least two weeks paid vacation. Yet most workers in the private sector don't get paid sick leave

Most American workers in the private sector of the economy don’t get paid when they or a close relative become sick. We’re the only advanced nation in the world that doesn’t require employers to pay sick leave. Businesses say they can’t afford it even though big corporations routinely offer it to their salaried employees. Yet most new jobs in America are low-wage and hourly, and don’t come with this guarantee. 78 percent of low-wage workers don’t get it; most are women.

But a few days ago, 1.2 million workers in New York City got paid sick leave for the first time, thanks largely to Mayor Bill de Blasio (below). Companies with five or more employees must provide up to five paid days off to workers if they, or their close relatives, fall ill.

There’s huge popular support for paid sick leave. The President should require by executive order that all federal contractors offer it. And he should propose legislation covering all working Americans. If Republicans balk, that’s more evidence whose side they’re on. You agree?

[cyberswede]

1. Did you mean to post this in the Lounge?

[RebelOne]

3. Fortunately, I worked for a 100% Democrat owned company.

I was laid off in 2010, but I was ready to retire anyway. I received 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and 3 weeks vacation each year.