As more states add paid family leave, advocates say there's a need for federal policy

Airport workers and supporters march during a rally at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on March 7, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia. The group, organized by the Service Employees International Union, is demanding Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority mandate paid sick leave and employer-paid health care for airport service workers at Washington National and Dulles International Airport. Virginia law does not require employers to provide paid sick leave. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

By: Casey Quinlan - January 15, 2024 4:00 am

When the Minnesota legislature was debating a paid sick leave bill last year, business owners argued that such a law would not allow them to provide as many employee “perks” or be as “adaptive” to employee needs as they say they would be without such a requirement. But a half dozen witnesses made a case for the need, with many workers sharing examples of the numerous times they had to work while ill.

Maria Vazquez, a member of a worker organizing group in Minneapolis, told lawmakers she frequently felt too sick to work her job as a housekeeper but couldn’t afford not to show up.

“And so there have been many times I have presented to work, not only with a high fever but to the point where my legs could barely support me and people would ask me why are you working and there wasn’t really a choice without the sick and safe time,” Vazquez said.

The earned sick and safe time bill ultimately passed, and the Minnesota law went into effect this month. Another bill providing paid family and medical leave also passed last year and will take effect in January 2026. Minnesota joins 14 other states and the District of Columbia that now require paid sick days.

FULL story: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/15/as-more-states-add-paid-family-leave-advocates-say-theres-a-need-for-federal-policy/