About the Campaign
New York City's campaign — which is led by A Better Balance: The Work and Family Legal Center, the NY State Paid Family Leave Coalition, and the Working Families Party — is working with a broad coalition to raise awareness and advance a paid sick and safe days standard that would cover all of the workers in New York City. The coalition includes active participation by Make the Road New York and the Restaurant Opportunities Center of New York as well as involvement by advocates working on behalf of workers, children, women, as well as public health leaders in the City.
Partner Profile
A Better Balance is a legal advocacy organization committed to working for policies that will help workers meet the dual demands of work and family without risking their economic security. The New York State Paid Family Leave Coalition includes over a hundred groups dedicated to ensuring that paid family leave and paid sick days policies progress through the New York State legislature and the City Council of New York.
For more information, visit http://www.abetterbalance.org/ and http://www.timetocareny.org/.
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Stories from New York
"I grew up believing if you go to work, work hard, and do your best, things will work out for you. When I turned 18 I was dropped from my parent's insurance and have been uninsured for the past 11 years. I'm a 6th generation U.S. citizen who has worked full time since 18 years old, yet I cannot afford health care and make a little "too much" to qualify for any government assistance. Because of this, even if I am sick, I have to work anyway. If there were paid sick days, one day’s pay would help me pay the "uninsured doctor visit" which is about $150 plus prescriptions. Since there are currently no paid sick days, when I get sick I have to choose between paying my bills or recovering...Most often I choose paying my bills over my health."
— Jennifer, New York, New York
"Last week, I caught a bad stomach virus. Without sick days, I have had to work for the last five days with a fever, stomach cramps, aches, nausea, and a severe headache—all because I do not have paid sick days. It is extremely demoralizing that despite being a fantastic employee and doing an exemplary job, I have to force myself to work while sick and in pain, risking a prolonged illness. Calling in sick might mean losing my apartment.
We are a first-world nation that prides ourselves on our liberties. Coercing our work force into working while ill is inexcusable."
—Jade, Ne
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