FV@W Celebrates 3 State-Level Ballot Initiatives Passing

Today, the Family Values @ Work Network (FV@W) celebrates three election wins from last night in the movement for paid time to care. Ballot initiatives in Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska passed giving workers access to Paid Sick and Safe Days. The support for these ballot measures is a testament to the will of the voters in those states to fight for care––not just for it to be on the ballot, but for it to become law of the land. We commend the organizers and legislators in all three states for their tireless work to see PSSD pass.

According to Better Jobs for Alaska, the “initiative allows workers to accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked – up to 56 hours per year at big companies and up to 40 hours per year at small ones. This measure also helps over 23,600 children who live with someone earning minimum wage and gradually increases the minimum wage until it is $15 in July 2027.”

Paid Sick Leave for Nebraska shares that the ballot measure “requires all Nebraska businesses to offer paid sick leave to employees — so they can earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. For employers with fewer than 20 employees, workers may earn up to five days of paid sick leave per year. For employers with 20 or more employees, workers may earn up to seven days of paid sick leave per year. This ballot initiative also puts into law the ability for employees to earn and use paid sick days without retaliation.”

We are especially excited by the win in Missouri, where Family Values @ Work offered support through our partner, Missouri Jobs with Justice. Congratulations to Missouri Jobs with Justice and Missourians for Healthy Family and Fair Wages on the passage of Prop A, which “allows workers to earn one hour of PSSD per 30 hours worked, up to seven days at a larger company and five days at a smaller company. Prop A also raises the minimum wage to $15/hour” (Missourians for Healthy Family and Fair Wages).

These wins are timely and important stepping stones in the movement for paid time to care. Not until all workers can take time to heal and care for loved ones without losing their jobs or risking their livelihoods will our work be done. We ask that you continue to work with us to realize this goal; not just for the wealthy and those who can afford time away from work, but for us all.