Massive Turnout for Maine Paid Sick Days Hearing
The Maine Paid Sick Days Coalition and a record number of their supporters turned out in full force for a hearing Thursday, Jan. 14th, before the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Labor. The Committee heard testimony from over 30 people who support passage of Maine’s proposed paid sick days standard — including physicians and nurses, women’s and domestic violence advocates, workers, small business owners, advocates for people with chronic illnesses, members of the clergy, union members, children’s advocates, and economists. In addition, Senate President Libby Mitchell testified to her colleagues on behalf of the measure.
According to a recent Institute for Women’s Policy Research cost-benefit analysis, a proposed paid sick days standard would save employers in Maine $37 million annually, largely due to reductions in turnover and absenteeism. Maine’s proposal would guarantee workers at larger businesses close to six paid sick days per year, while workers at smaller businesses could earn approximately three paid sick days per year. The earned paid sick time could be used during a routine illness, to care for a family member during a public health emergency, to receive preventive care, or to address domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Learn more: www.mainewomen.org »
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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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1.19.10 ~ First Lady Stresses Need for Work and Family Polices in U.S. Department of Labor Visit
In a recent speech before the staff of the U.S. Department of Labor, First Lady Michelle Obama emphasized the Obama administration’s support for the Healthy Families Act and other work and family policies. The First Lady referred to her own challenges as a working mother and reiterated that workers “shouldn’t have to choose” between taking care of their families and keeping their jobs. Secretary Hilda Solis, in her opening remarks, highlighted the Department of Labor’s ongoing work on issues that are among the highest priorities for the First Lady, including work-life issues and supporting military families.
The First Lady’s remarks included the following statements:
Staying home to care for a sick child or taking an elderly parent to a doctor’s appointment shouldn’t mean risking one’s job. That shouldn’t be the tradeoff.
People shouldn’t have to choose between taking the time they need after giving birth, for example, or adopting a child, and keeping that job that they need to support the child they just had. That shouldn’t be the choice.
Things like paid family leave and sick days and affordable childcare should be the norm, not the exception…That’s why the President and Secretary Solis have spoken out in favor of the Healthy Families Act, which would let millions more working Americans earn up to seven days a year of paid sick time to care for themselves and their families.
» Read the full text of the First Lady’s remarks
Read other posts »
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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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 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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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 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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