Paid Sick Days
Every Virginian should have the ability to call in sick without risking their paycheck. However that reality doesn’t exist for 1.2 million Virginians. Whether it’s you, a child, or a loved one–everyone deserves paid sick days. Read more to find out what we’re working towards!
The Problem
More than 1.2 million Virginians do not have earned paid sick days, and the people least likely to have paid sick days are part-time workers, lower-income workers, and essential workers – the people who serve us food, stock our shelves, and clean our public spaces. It hurts all of us when we force them to work while sick. In the aftermath of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important to take care of the health of all workers.
The Solution
Earned paid sick days encourage people to stay home when they’re sick, preventing infections and substantial impacts on businesses. Businesses will benefit from higher employee productivity, healthier workplaces, and lower employee turnover. Studies show that employees working while sick cost the national economy approximately $160 billion per year—and that was even before the coronavirus.
It’s time for Virginia to pass an earned paid sick days policy to keep all Virginians healthy and keep our businesses open and safe. Paid sick days will allow Virginians to care for their own health needs or those of a family member. Studies have also shown that workers with paid sick policies in place are more productive, and more dedicated to their workplaces. Freedom Virginia knows that healthier workers make healthier and stronger businesses.
