The federal Healthy Families Act of 2009 is a pending piece of federal legislation. It would guarantee seven paid sick days per year for workers at businesses with 15 or more employees. Sick days could be used to recover from routine illness, seek services to recover from domestic violence, or care for a sick family member or person whose close relationship is equivalent to that of a family member.
- Number of sick days: Provides workers with up to seven job-protected paid sick days each year, using a simple method by which paid sick days are accrued for both employers and employees. It allows workers to earn a minimum of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours (seven days) per year, unless the employer selects a higher limit.
- Usage: Can be used to care for worker’s own illness, preventative care or to provide care for a sick family member. Domestic violence provision allows workers to use paid sick time to recover from or seek assistance related to an incidence of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault.
- Employer coverage: Employers with fewer than 15 workers are exempt.
- Employer certification: Employer may require certification if the employee uses more than three paid sick days in a row. For victims of domestic violence, the certification may be from a law enforcement officer or victim advocate.
- Existing employer policies: Employers with existing paid sick days policies that meet the minimums set in the Healthy Families Act (for time, types of use, method of use) are not affected.
Take Action: Tell America’s leaders that the United States needs to allow all working people to earn paid sick days to ensure economic security, and protect public health.
Learn more: Read the federal Healthy Families Act (Senate Bill 1152 | House Resolution 2460)
