Reiterating Support for Paid Sick Leave

Last week, on Make the Road's Annual Democracy Day, elected officials joined together in support of the Paid Sick Leave Bill.

It’s fitting that this gathering occurred on Annual Democracy Day, since its goal was to recognize the needs of ordinary New Yorkers who have no protection under the law. On August 20^th, I joined Councilmember Gale Brewer to introduce legislation that will make earned paid sick leave a right for everyone.

The Paid Sick Leave Bill will require paid sick days for all workers to care for themselves or a loved one. This will give caregivers the option to use sick leave to care for a family member. Caregivers deserve rights, too, and I will continue to fight to protect them against employment discrimination.

With swine flu cases set to rise during the Fall season, we need a bill that allows sick workers to stay home without losing pay—limiting the spread of flu in the workplace. This is more important than ever.

For the health of our city, and for the protection of

New York City

’s parents and caregivers, I urge the Council to pass the Paid Sick Leave Bill.