Sick pay is smart economically: As academic researchers on economic development and workplace productivity, we applaud the Milwaukee’s new guarantee of paid sick days. Experience and research have shown this to be a sound economic development measure.
Washington Family and Medical Leave Insurance bill has new friends
Thanks in part to thousands of emails from Coalition member organizations, today family and medical leave insurance (HB 1609) has many more friends in the Washington House of Representatives than it did last Friday.
When first submitted, the bill had 6 sponsors – not a bad start. And by the end of Monday, nine more representatives had signed on as cosponsors, bringing the total number of sponsors to 15: Representatives Dickerson, Conway, Pettigrew, Williams, Green, Ormsby, Kagi, Dunshee, Appleton, Van De Wege, Upthegrove, Darneille, Simpson, Hasegawa, and Nelson.
If passed, the new legislation will expand paid family leave coverage to include care of a seriously ill child, spouse, domestic partner, or parent; or the worker’s own serious health condition. Financing would be provided through an employee-paid payroll premium of between 2 and 3 cents per hour – about 80 cents a week for full-time workers.
A big shout-out to all of the Coalition members who got in touch with legislators in their home districts. MomsRising alone sent over 2700 emails over the past weekend. Which just goes to show that when working families make their voices heard, our leaders will listen.
Let’s keep up the fight!
(Crossposted at http://www.washingtonpolicywatch.org)
Balancing work and family
Balancing Sick Children and Work Schedules: Many employers realize that children are an employee’s top priority. As a parent, taking care of your children will always be the first concern. However, what’s a parent to do in these tough economic times when taking time off for your children could adversely affect your standing with the company? What happens if there are other emergencies outside of your immediate family that may require your attention?
Washington Work and Family Coalition 