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Take Action to Support Paid Sick Days For All Working Californians!
Every day, millions of California workers are forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for their own health or for a sick family member. Over 40% of California workers - nearly six million people - do not get any paid sick days from their employer, and risk losing wages, or even their jobs, if they stay home sick from work.
It's time to give all workers in California the right to paid sick days. The Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act (AB 1000), sponsored by Assemblymember Fiona Ma, would ensure that workers who need to take time off when they are sick are able to do so without fear of losing their wages or jobs.
When workers go to work sick, they pass along germs to co-workers and others in the workplace, posing a serious public health risk. They're unable to take the time to recover, which can turn a mild ailment into a serious medical problem. Not only would this bill improve public health, it would help stimulate the economy by reducing turnover (which means substantial savings to employers), minimizing emergency room visits and reducing overall health care costs.
On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee will be voting on this commonsense policy that enhances public health and supports family economic security. Please take a moment to send a letter to the members of the committee today, urging them to support paid sick days for all working Californians.
rg/tng39521cwa/afl-cio
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Support Paid Sick Days For All Working Californians!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
As a concerned California resident and voter, I am writing to ask that you support AB 1000 (Ma), the Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act, when it comes up in the Assembly Labor Committee.
Too many hard-working Californians are forced to choose between losing a day's wages or even their job when they or their family members become sick. This is a decision that no worker should have to make.
That's why I am supporting AB 1000, which will allow all workers in California to earn paid sick days and use them to care for themselves, a sick family member. It's good for public health, good for workers and good for the economy.
When workers go to work sick, they pass their illness on to other workers and patrons, which poses a serious public health risk. But when workers are able to take time off to recover, it not only improves public health, but it helps our economy by lowering workplace turnover, minimizing emergency room visits and lowering health care costs.
A poll conducted by UCLA shows overwhelming support by Californians from all walks of life for paid sick days legislation. 88% Californians - including 76% Republicans, 92% Democrats and 88% independents - support a new law guaranteeing a minimum number of paid sick days for all Californians.
It is time that all workers in California have the right to paid sick days, and I urge you to support this commonsense bill.
Sincerely,
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