We’ve all seen the T.V. commercial sponsored by the PA Department of Health which states “your job is to stay at home when you’re sick,” but for the 41% of workers in Philadelphia who have no access to earned sick days, staying home because of illness is easier said than done. National studies have shown that 78% of workers who need family and medical leave do not take it because they cannot afford to miss a paycheck.
Because they are more likely to have care-taking responsibilities, working women (and low-income women in particular), are at a high risk of losing pay or losing their jobs in order to care for sick children, elderly relatives, or sick partners.
Earlier this month, the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Public Health passed the Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Bill, which would give part-time and full-time workers in Philadelphia the opportunity to earn up to one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked in order to care for themselves or their family.
In addition to using paid sick days to care for ailing family members, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families, a paid sick days standard would also
guarantee job-protected paid time off, or “paid safe days,” to victims of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault when they need it most: to leave a violent situation and access necessary recovery services without risking their jobs or their paycheck.
While the bill was approved by the City Council committee, it is still opposed by Mayor Nutter’s administration which argues that paid sick-leave would be a bad move for the city of Philadelphia because it would add to business costs. Philadelphia business owners are split on the debate.
Please tell the full Council you support earned sick days for Philadelphia workers by clicking here.
