A new baby, a bout of flu, or a cancer diagnosis too often leads to a family crisis. Forcing workers to choose between their job and their health, or that of a loved one, is bad for our communities and bad for our economy.
The Washington Work and Family Agenda assures that every job is an economy-boosting job. Our families, communities, and economy will be stronger when working people have enough income to cover the basics while protecting their own health and caring for their loved ones.
Paid Sick Days
Everyone gets sick or needs to see the doctor now and then – but 40% of workers get no paid sick days. Assuring that all employees can earn paid sick time keeps everyone healthier by encouraging sick workers and kids to stay home – away from co-workers, schoolmates, and customers.
Seattle implemented paid sick leave in September 2012, following San Francisco, Washington, DC, and Connecticut. Portland, OR and New York City adopted standards in 2013.
The Healthy Tacoma Coalition is campaigning for a City Council ordinance on paid sick days.In Washington State, House Bill 1313/Senate Bill 5594 will allow employees to earn 5 to 9 days of paid sick and safe leave, depending on employer size, similar to Seattle’s law –protecting 1 million workers who receive no sick leave.
Family & Medical Leave Insurance
When a new child comes into a family or a serious illness strikes, people need longer periods of time off. Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) provides low-cost insurance for all workers, with income during those longer family or medical leaves. California, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have full insurance programs in place.
The Washington Work and Family Coalition has developed an FMLI plan for our state’s working families. House Bill 1457/Senate Bill 5292 would:
- Provide up to 12 weeks to care for a new child or seriously ill family member, and 12 weeks for the worker’s own serious health condition
- Povide benefits of 2/3 weekly pay, funded through payroll premiums shared by workers and employers (starting at $1.00 per week for the typical worker).
Washington Work and Family Coalition 