Gov. Jerry Brown signs paid sick days bill into law.
Photo credit: Gov. Brown’s Twitter feed
Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1522 (Gonzalez), a landmark bill to allow California workers to earn paid sick days on the job, on September 10 in Los Angeles. California is now just the second state in the country to require that workers are able to earn a few paid sick days per year.
“Whether you’re a dishwasher in San Diego or a store clerk in Oakland, this bill frees you of having to choose between your family’s health and your job,” said Governor Brown. “Make no mistake, California is putting its workers first.”
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, nearly 7 million California workers are unable to take off any time from work to take care of themselves or a sick family member. This new law will ensure that all California workers have the right to earn and use up to three paid sick days a year, and will no longer have to fear losing their jobs and wages if they get sick.
“All Californians deserve the basic right to seek medical care when they’re sick without risking financial disaster,” said Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, sponsor of AB 1522. “It’s clear that paid sick days are not only good for working people who are able to keep themselves and their customers healthy, but good for business owners who will see less turnover and better productivity from workers who are able to perform to their best ability.”
“By signing this important bill into law, the Governor put an end to the cruel Hobson’s choice that more than 6.5 million workers face when deciding whether to go to work sick or lose wages that keep food on the table for their families,” said California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski. “This law protects workers and consumers, and is vital to public health.”
Unfortunately, the final version of the bill excluded home care workers, who heroically care for those with long-term illnesses and disabilities. That’s an omission that needs to be corrected, according to Pulaski.
“While this law is a historic step forward, California’s unions won’t rest until every single worker in our state receives equal access to paid sick days. Home care workers, like all workers, deserve the opportunity to earn paid sick days on the job. We’ll continue to fight for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers to ensure that California treats all workers with fairness and dignity,” Pulaski said.