Duluth, Minnesota, 44th Locality to Pass Paid Sick Days Policy
“Family Values @ Work congratulates Vision Duluth on making Duluth, Minnesota the 44th locality in the United States to pass a paid sick days policy-bringing to nearly 15 million the total number of workers nationwide with new access to paid sick days. Activists in Duluth built a broad coalition of labor, community groups and business owners that prevailed, even when statewide opponents tried to halt their efforts.
“The Duluth bill will ensure that working people in that community do not have to choose between following doctors’ orders and putting food on the table. The measure also takes into account those who might need paid time to deal with the aftermath of domestic or sexual abuse, or have to care for a member of their chosen family who may not be a blood relation.
“Momentum for paid sick days has grown nationwide, with growing energy in the Midwest. Duluth joins fellow Minnesota cities Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as Chicago and the rest of Cook County, Illinois, all of whom passed policies in the past couple years. A robust coalition in Michigan hopes to join them after a ballot initiative in November. Earlier this year Austin, TX, became the first Southern city to pass a paid sick days policy, and there are more wins on the horizon from Albuquerque, NM and other cities in Texas to Albany, NY. Congratulations to all the workers, advocates and policymakers who helped make paid sick days a reality for residents of Duluth.”
For more information about Duluth’s paid sick days bill, please find below the press release from TakeAction Minnesota. Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556
NEWS RELEASE
Duluth Workers Win Earned Sick and Safe Time
Duluth-For months, workers in Duluth have been organizing to raise local employment standards. Tonight, Duluth workers won Earned Sick and Safe Time. The Duluth City Council passed a policy that allows workers to earn paid time to care for themselves or a loved one by a 7-1 vote.
“Duluth’s strength is that we come together to find solutions. We care about each other,” said Duluth City Councilor Em Westerlund. “This ordinance helps level the playing field for working people from every background. We listened to the community, and I’m proud of the difference this will make for Duluth families.”
The new ordinance takes effect January 1, 2020 and allows workers to earn up to 40 hours per year of paid sick time.
“Every worker, regardless of who they are or how much they make deserves the time to care of themselves or a loved one. This ordinance reflects who are as Minnesotans,” said Candy Winkler, executive director of PAVSA. “Our City Council heard our voices and came up with a solution that improves people’s lives. This is an accomplishment.”
“We have been waiting for this for a long time,” said Todd Gustafson with UFCW 1189. “We’re happy to see the Council pass an ordinance that will have tremendous impact for so many in our community.”
TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, multi-racial people’s organization. We advance democracy and equity through organizing, political action, and policy campaigns. Our offices are located in St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud.
