Laura Clawson for Daily Kos Labor
Joining San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Connecticut, Seattle's City Council passed a paid sick leave requirement:
The bill exempts businesses with fewer than five employees and new businesses during their first two years of operation. Businesses with five to 49 employees must provide a minimum of five paid sick days. Companies with 50 to 249 employees must provide seven, and those with more than 250 workers must provide nine paid days off.The legislation takes effect September 2012. The council also ordered a review of the bill after it's been in place for a year.
Paid sick leave is important in so many ways. When we're sick, we should have the right to stay home without losing the ability to pay bills, or possibly losing a job. It's really that simple. But it's also a public health issue—if people go to work sick, they spread what they're sick with to their coworkers and customers. We're all better off if the flu stays home.
The usual suspects—the local Chamber of Commerce, a business consultant, etc.—issued dire warnings about creating a poor business environment. Apparently they think that having disease spreading through the workforce doesn't affect productivity and profitability.
Mayor Mike McGinn issued a statement saying:
"Paid Sick Leave levels the playing field in Seattle by supporting public health and economic justice. Seattle residents shouldn't have to choose between staying home sick and keeping their job. [...] I thank Councilmember Nick Licata for his leadership and the Council for passing this ordinance."
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