Research Shows What the Lack of Paid Sick Days Means for New Yorkers
Groundbreaking new survey results released by the Community Service Society of New York, along with A Better Balance, demonstrates the many hardships the city’s workers face because they do not have paid sick days. Researchers found that low-income workers without access to paid sick days are more likely to be threatened by their employers, to use the emergency room because they cannot afford to take time off during working hours, to have to go to work sick, and to have to send their children to school even when they are sick. The report — “Sick in the City: What the Lack of Paid Leave Means for Working New Yorkers” — also found that an estimated 1.3 million workers in New York have no paid leave of any kind, including paid sick leave or paid vacation leave.
Read the full report »
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 First-Ever House Hearing. A panel of experts, including National Partnership President Debra Ness, testified in support of the Healthy Families Act before a House subcommittee. >>Watch the video.
 Ellison Speaks Out. On the House floor, Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-5) talks about the need for a basic labor standard of paid sick days. >>Watch the video.
 Online Rally. Join us in front of the (virtual) Capitol. Hear why paid sick days are critical for our nation’s health and economic security and share your story today. >>Join the rally.
 Frank Fever. Find out if you work for Fever, Inc. and uncover the sinister plot of one virus’ ambition to control the world. >>Watch the video.
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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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10.26.09 ~ I Don’t Want To Alarm Anyone — But I Think It Might Be Time To Get Alarmed!
By Steffany Stern, National Partnership
Over the weekend, we learned some startling news: the H1N1 outbreak is now so widespread that the president has declared a national emergency. I don’t want to alarm anyone — but I think it might be time to get alarmed!
According to the CDC, 46 states are now experiencing widespread flu activity. Overwhelmed hospitals will now officially be allowed to set up “disaster operation plans” and operate satellite facilities for H1N1 patients.
The New York Times reports that some hospitals in Texas and Tennessee have set up tents in their parking lots to screen patients. There is a shortage of the H1N1 vaccine. Over 20,000 have been hospitalized, and more than 2,400 have died. And to top it all off, the highest rate of infection is among children.
I don’t know about you, but I’m hoping that a national emergency means it’s time for a strong national response.
In fact, I think it’s high time to call for the simple yet fundamental response we need to help stop the epidemic: a national standard of job-protected paid sick days.
Read more »
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Around the country, more and more newspapers are editorializing in favor of the paid sick days legislation that the nation urgently needs. These editorials point out the sound reasoning behind a minimum standard of paid sick days, and in many cases endorse local, state or national legislation. These endorsements are a great step forward, and help advocates call attention to the need for progress in their states and cities.
Check out some recent endorsements:
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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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North Carolina Justice Center and the NC Paid Sick Days Campaign
Our partners in Raleigh at the North Carolina Justice Center are at the helm of the state’s paid sick days coalition, working to make progress for the 1.6 million North Carolinians who have no access to paid sick days.
The NC Justice Center has formed a broad coalition of organizations to advocate for the Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act, which would allow workers in North Carolina to earn up to seven paid sick days per year. The paid sick days could be used for an employee’s own illness, to care for a sick family member, or to recover from incidents of domestic violence and stalking.
In 2009, the coalition reached out to the public to involve them in the campaign, holding town hall meetings around the state in High Point, Durham, Fayetteville, Rocky Mount, Asheville, and Charlotte. This year the coalition also celebrated committee hearings held by both the North Carolina House and Senate.
A recent poll by AARP North Carolina found that 79% of North Carolinians believe employers should be required to provide a minimum number of paid sick days for full-time workers.
The North Carolina Justice Center’s mission is to reduce and eliminate poverty in North Carolina by advocating for the resources, services, and fair treatment that every household needs to maintain economic security. The Justice Center pursues its mission through litigation, research and analysis, public policy advocacy, and grassroots action. Justice Center advocates have been working since 2007 to pass a paid sick days standard, part of their agenda to support and protect workers.
For more information, visit http://www.ncsickdays.org/
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THE PROBLEM:
Nearly half (48%) of private-sector workers—and nearly 80% of low-wage workers—do not have paid sick days to care for their own health. And nearly 100 million workers 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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