In yet another attack on Wisconsin families, Governor Walker signed a bill yesterday to nullify the Milwaukee paid sick days law to please his large, corporate donors. Approved by nearly 70% of city voters in 2008, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals upheld the law just a few days ago. The override of the Milwaukee sick days law is an assault on democracy, local control, and the 120,000 working families in Milwaukee without paid sick days.
Many workers simply have no choice when they are forced to choose between paying the bills and going to work sick. They must put pay their rent and put food on the table. When put in this position, these workers risk their own health, the health of their families, the health of their co-workers, not to mention the health of the customers and other members of the public with whom they come into contact. Contagious workers are often the source of colds, the flu and stomach “bugs” that move through restaurants, childcare centers, retail stores and other workplaces.
Milwaukee’s groundbreaking success in passing a paid sick days law has inspired advocates in Connecticut, Philadelphia, New York City and Seattle to advocate for paid sick leave policies. Across the country, cities and states are passing paid sick day laws to protect working people and public health and help strengthen local economies. We at 9to5 National Association of Working Women are proud that Milwaukee’s win helped spur those campaigns. The anti-worker majority in Madison may try to stop Milwaukee’s victory, but they can’t stop this movement.
