Milwaukee to Vote on Paid Sick Leave
Milwaukee, Wisconsin could be the third city in the nation to require its businesses to provide paid sick leave. San Francisco led the way in February ‘07, followed by the Washington D.C. in March ‘08. Milwaukee residents will vote on the issue November 4.
According to the referendum’s leading advocate, more than 77,000 workers would get paid sick leave as a new benefit.
If passed, the new ordinance would purportedly allow employees to use their sick days for themselves or a close family member and would cover illness as well as preventive care.
Debate wages on both sides, of course. Opponents say it would put undue burden on small businesses, force large businesses to increase benefits in branches outside Milwaukee, and discourage new business growth.
Advocates say it would level the playing field for businesses that already offer the benefit and that paid sick leave boosts the bottom line by fostering healthier workers.
Opponents argue demand should be driven by the marketplace and that such legislation belongs in the hands of state and national leadership, not local municipalities.
Should Government Get Involved?
Find out what Americans think of government involvement in work/life benefits like these by attending the Life Meets Work free webinar on October 28. We’ll reveal the results of a nationwide survey examining employer and employee attitudes toward flexible work and the role of government in work/life benefits.
Posted by Jaime.
Tags: paid sick leave, webinar