 RESOURCE
Everyone Gets Sick
Not Everyone Has Time To Get Better
A Briefing Book on Establishing a
National Paid Sick Days Standard
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8.17.2010 ~ Pennsylvania Paid Sick Days Advocates Working Hard During the Dog Days
While many of us spend time in August vacationing at the beach or in the mountains, Pennsylvania advocates took a trip to their state capitol in Harrisburg — to push for a state paid sick days law. Today, the Pennsylvania House Labor Relations Committee held a long-awaited hearing on H.B. 1830, the Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act. The proposed paid sick time law would allow Pennsylvania’s workers to earn up to 6.5 days of paid sick time annually to take care of their own or a family member’s illness or to seek preventive health care. Survivors of domestic violence would be able to use sick time to obtain medical or legal help or to seek relocation services.
The Committee heard testimony from advocates and experts, including representatives of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and WOMEN’S WAY, and from Pennsylvania workers. The Coalition for Healthy Families and Workplaces, which is backing H.B. 1830, held a press conference prior to the hearing with the bill’s legislative sponsor, Representative Marc Gergely (D-Allegheny).
If you live in Pennsylvania, take a moment to contact your state representatives to ask them to support the bill. After today’s high-profile hearing — and hearing from state activists — legislators will be hard-pressed to put off action on paid sick days.
It’s amazing what can be done during the dog days of August!
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In a nation that prides itself on family values, we need to do a better job of valuing our nation's families. Here are a few quick ways to get involved:
- Find Local Campaigns — The momentum is building. Get involved in your local campaign.
- Start Your Own Campaign — Campaigns are happening all over the country. Learn how to start one today!
- Contact Congress — Urge your elected officials support the federal Healthy Families Act!
- Share Your Story — If you or a loved one have been affected by not having
 paid sick days or if you’re outraged by the injustice tell us about it. - Tell Others —- Raise awareness by sending an e-mail to co-workers, friends and family.
- Print A Flyer — Distribute copies to friends, co-workers and even strangers!
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Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just interested in learning more, the following links offer helplful information about paid sick days campaigns:
LATEST RESEARCH
LOCAL CAMPAIGNS
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New Hampshire Women’s Lobby & Alliance — and the New Hampshire Paid Sick Days Campaign
Our partners in Concord, NH at the New Hampshire Women’s Lobby & Alliance are leading the state’s paid sick days coalition, working to provide access to the 215,800 New Hampshire private-sector workers who have no paid sick days.
A statewide paid sick days standard would guarantee workers in New Hampshire up to five paid sick days per year. Workers could use the paid sick days to recover from an illness or seek medical treatment, to care for a sick family member, or to address the effects of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Several researchers have recently released reports outlining the many reasons why a paid sick days standard is sound, crucial policy for New Hampshire. A cost-benefit analysis conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that New Hampshire employers would save $30 million annually as a result of paid sick days, mostly due to reductions in turnover-related costs. A health impact assessment of the proposed legislation showed that it would help reduce the transmission of communicable diseases in restaurants and nursing homes. The assessment also showed that the legislation would help decrease medical costs by reducing the number of emergency room visits, as well as the number of unnecessary hospitalizations.
A recent poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center found that 69% of New Hampshire adults favor a basic labor standard of paid sick days.
The New Hampshire Women’s Lobby is a nonpartisan grassroots organization that advocates for policies to improve the economic and social well-being of the state’s women and their families. The Lobby’s key issues include economic autonomy, family law, women’s health, civil rights, and freedom from discrimination.
For more information, visit http://www.nhwomen.org
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THE PROBLEM:
Nearly four in ten private-sector workers—and nearly 80% of low-wage workers—do not have paid sick days to care for their own health. And millions more don’t have paid sick days to care for a sick child.
THE SOLUTION:
The Healthy Families Act is proposed federal legislation that will guarantee workers up to seven paid sick days a year to recover from an illness or care for a sick family member.
Support the Health Families Act. Get involved today. »
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