Aldermen Push For Sick Leave Mandate For Chicago Workers
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Several aldermen have introduced an ordinance that would guarantee paid sick days to an estimated 400,000 workers in Chicago.
The measure would workers in Chicago to earn up to five sick days a year, and roll over up to 20 hours of unused sick time from one year into the next. Workers would be able to earn an hour of sick time for every 40 hours worked.
Anne Ladky, executive director of Women Employed, applauded the City Council Progressive Caucus for backing the proposed ordinance.
"This is simply a matter of fairness; a basic standard for a basic benefit that protects working people, the public health, and children," she said.
Supporters said it would apply to some 400,000 private sector employees who currently get no paid sick time, including Abraham Cabrera, a restaurant delivery driver whose children have health problems.
"When I take a sick day, it means I don't get paid. It means I have to choose between supporting my children's physical health and financial health. I should not have to do that," he said.
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Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1st) said workers, especially those in food service, should be allowed to stay home when they're sick without losing a day's pay.
"If establishments don't support this ordinance, I'd like them to put a sign up in their establishment saying 'Caution: your food may be being prepared by someone that's sick, because we don't support earned sick days,'" he said.
Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) said she hopes companies opposed to the plan will see it's about more than just fairness, "and eventually they'll come around, hopefully, to understand that this is about making sure people come to work and come to work healthy."
More than 20 major cities, including New York and San Francisco, have similar laws.
