Sen. Sherrod Brown seeks guaranteed sick pay
CantonRep.com – Many U.S. workers do not get paid sick days.
That’s cause for concern during the current outbreak of influenza, because some, unable to afford the lost pay, go to work sick rather than stay home and recoup, said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Avon.
Brown said such workers are less productive when they are sick, and can spread the virus to other co-workers. So he wants to change this situation.
He has co-sponsored federal legislation that guarantees paid sick days for most workers with a contagious illness, including H1N1 flu.
The proposal was introduced Tuesday in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Between 50 million and 60 million American workers have no paid sick days to use when they or their family members are sick, according to federal labor statistics.
Under the proposal:
- Employees would get seven paid sick days if they work at a place that employs 15 or more people.
- Employees’ jobs would be protected.
- Employees would have discretion to use the sick days, but U.S Department of Labor could regulate medical certification requirements. Employers could not seek medical certification inconsistent with federal labor regulations on this matter.
