Tell Speaker Quinn to Pass the Paid Sick Days Bill for NYC!

New York City is known for fabulous restaurants, international cuisine, and (achoo!) the fact that 90 percent of NYC restaurant workers cannot earn paid sick days. No waiter or cook wants to come to work sick, but without paid sick days they have little choice in the matter.

Tomorrow the New York City Council is holding a hearing on the paid sick days bill.

Tell Council Speaker Quinn that the paid sick days bill is critical to public health and a priority for women and families!

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Today's special: paid sick days!

Your message to friends:

Dear Friend,

New York City is known for fabulous restaurants, international cuisine, and (achoo!) the fact that 90 percent of NYC restaurant workers cannot earn paid sick days [1]. No waiter or cook wants to come to work sick, but without paid sick days they have little choice in the matter.

Tomorrow the New York City Council is holding a hearing on the paid sick days bill.

Tell Council Speaker Quinn that the paid sick days bill is critical to public health and a priority for women and families! http://action.momsrising.org/cms/letter/NYC_5-10-10_PSD/?source=taf

Why are paid sick days so important for New York City?

We all know how fast the flu can travel through a workplace, school, or child care center, yet almost two million New Yorkers are not allowed by their employers to earn paid sick days. That means they often have to choose between going to work sick, and losing a day’s pay (and possibly their jobs) if they stay home sick or with sick kids.

This is a big problem – when sick folks aren’t able to stay home, it puts everyone’s health at risk; coworkers, restaurant patrons, school kids, and, well, everyone. Allowing workers with contagious diseases to avoid unnecessary contact with co-workers and customers is a fundamental public health measure. Our laws are clearly out of sync with responsible public health practices.

The paid sick days bill would allow employees in New York City to earn up to five paid sick days per year, based on hours worked, for employees at small businesses (fewer than 20 employees), and nine paid sick days for employees at large firms. The legislation would also bar employers from retaliating against an employee for using the paid leave time.

The city of San Francisco passed a similar bill in 2006, and its businesses have not experienced any negative impacts. In fact, San Francisco experienced stronger employment growth in industries most affected by paid leave – retail, hospitality, food service, etc. – than the neighboring counties without paid sick days [2].

The paid sick day hearing tomorrow is a critical step towards ensuring the health of everyone in this city. Tell speaker Quinn to pass the paid sick days bill for NYC! http://action.momsrising.org/cms/letter/NYC_5-10-10_PSD/?source=taf

*And don’t forget to forward this to your friends and family so they can take action too!

Thank you!

[1] Restaurant Opportunities Center United and Restaurant Opportunities Center – New York,Burned: High Risks and Low Benefits for Workers in the New York City Restaurant Industry, September 11, 2009

[2] Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, Paid Sick Leave Does Not Harm Employment, March 2010

Add a short note (optional, up to 500 characters):

Dear Speaker Quinn,

I am writing to urge you to support the women and working families of New York City by passing the Paid Sick Time Act.

We all know how fast the flu can travel through a workplace, school, or child care center; yet over two million New Yorkers are not allowed by their employers to earn paid sick days. That means they often have to choose between going to work sick, and losing a day’s pay (and possibly their jobs) if they stay home sick or with sick kids.

This is a big problem – when sick folks aren’t able to stay home, it puts everyone’s health at risk – coworkers, restaurant patrons, school kids, and, well, everyone. Allowing workers with contagious diseases to avoid unnecessary contact with co-workers and customers is a fundamental public health measure.

Additionally in these troubled times, businesses cannot afford "presenteeism," when sick workers come to work and infect their colleagues rather than stay at home. "Presenteeism" costs our national economy $180 billion annually in lost productivity. For employers, this cost averages $255 per employee per year, and exceeds the cost of absenteeism and medical and disability benefits.

The city of San Francisco passed a similar bill in 2006, and its businesses have not experienced any negative impacts.  In fact, San Francisco experienced stronger employment growth in industries most affected by paid leave – retail, hospitality, food service, leisure and accommodations – than the neighboring counties without paid sick days.

Our laws are clearly out of sync with responsible public health practices. It isn't safe and it's time to make a change.

The Paid Sick Time Act will make a significant difference in the lives of New York's working families. It will be particularly beneficial to women – as women continue to bear more family responsibility than men and are more likely to be at risk for losing pay or their jobs if they stay home sick or with sick kids. Please support this crucial legislation.

Sincerely,