No parent should be required to choose between caring for a sick child and working to put food on the table. And no worker should be compelled to work through illness for fear of losing his or her job.
The United States is one of the few economically developed countries on the planet that does not require employers to offer workers paid sick leave... and it shows. The Department of Labor estimates that the lack of paid sick leave:
- Makes it hard for workers to make ends meet;
- Limits women's job opportunities for advancement;
- Increases workers' reliance on public benefits; and
- Costs the US a whopping $500 billion in lost economic activity each year.
But that is only the start. Without paid sick leave, precious family time is lost, illness is spread, and business productivity and competitiveness are diminished.
On September 7, 2015, President Obama signed an Executive Order requiring all federal contractors to offer paid sick leave to all employees. The change will benefit an estimated 300,000 workers.
All workers should have paid sick leave — not just high income or federal workers.
Sign the petition now and urge your Representative and Senators to support The Healthy Families Act, legislation to expand paid sick leave for millions American workers.
Dear Decision Maker,
I strongly urge you to do everything you can to support the Healthy Families Act (H.R. 932 and S. 497) and the expansion of paid sick leave eligibility for American workers.
[Your comments will be added here]
On Labor Day 2015, President Obama extended paid sick leave for federal contractors, an executive order that will help an estimated 300,000 American workers. Now it is time to ensure that private sector workers benefit as well.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
