Hi,

While many people have paid sick leave at their jobs, millions of Americans simply don’t. Over 61% of low-wage workers are forced to choose between showing up to work sick or missing a day’s worth of pay.1

Getting sick is part of life, yet corporations are punishing workers for it. Not having paid sick leave means that families lose out on money they need for rent, groceries, medications, and other basic necessities. The lack of federal guaranteed sick leave in America affects vulnerable populations the most: single parents, people with disabilities, and low-income earners.

No one should be forced to choose between health and work. Congress needs to implement paid sick leave nationwide now.

Sign the petition: Tell Congress to guarantee paid sick leave for all.

During the pandemic, the expanded Families First Coronavirus Response Act created tax incentives for employers who provided paid sick leave for workers. But Congress let the incentives expire in September 2021, leaving many workers, again, without critical sick leave.

Beyond the negative physical impacts of going to work while sick, a recent study shows that a lack of paid sick leave seriously impacts mental health — as the psychological distress surrounding the lack of paid leave and working while sick builds.2

But it doesn't have to be this way. Universal paid sick leave benefits both businesses and workers. Guaranteed paid sick leave would create more workforce stability and help workers stay healthier. Workers who feel unwell would opt to stay home and reduce the spread of infectious diseases to other workers.

Paid sick leave would ensure that families have the time to receive necessary medical attention, care for loved ones, and maintain a healthier life. This would ultimately lower health care costs nationwide too.3

Add your name: Congress must guarantee paid sick leave for workers nationwide.

Thanks for taking action,

Tihi and the team at Demand Progress

Sources:

  1. Economic Policy Institute, "New data show that access to paid sick days remains vastly unequal," September 21, 2023.
  2. CNN, "Lack of sick days, inflexible schedule among tough job conditions that can seriously affect mental health, report shows," April 25, 2023.
  3. Center for American Progress, "Universal Paid Sick Time Would Strengthen Public Health and Benefit Businesses," May 15, 2023.

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