Statement from Family Values @ Work on Nevada’s Win on Paid Time Off

“It’s good to see that employees in Nevada who work in firms of 50 or more will be able to take up to five days of PTO (paid time off). The majority of Nevada legislators agree that working people should not have to choose between maintaining economic stability and caring for themselves or a loved one. We applaud the hard work of Time to Care Nevada coalition, who engaged workers around the state to share stories of the consequences for workers, their families and their employers when people are forced to work sick or take a financial hit for following a doctor’s orders.

We know that coalition leaders will work closely with the Labor Commission to make sure regulations prevent retaliation against those using the time and clarify that no company can be exempt from the law without affirming that workers can use a paid day off when and how they need to. They will also continue to organize to make sure all Nevada workers are covered.

“We are in this fight for the long haul,” said Erika Washington, Executive Director of Make It Work Nevada. “We will continue to speak to our families, friends and neighbors to ensure that their stories are considered and amplified when our legislators are crafting policy. Nevadan families are looking for an opportunity to live a whole and full life that allows them to thrive.”

Ariel Guevara, Nevada State Coordinator for Mi Familia Vota, described the new law “as a great first step in the fight for mandatory earned sick leave for all Nevadans. We will continue to work with the Nevada Legislature to ensure as many Nevadans possible are provided earned sick leave.”

Natalie Hernández, Time to Care Nevada’s Campaign Manager, released the following statement: “Our coalition applauds Governor Sisolak for his leadership and dedication to working families. Throughout the session, we shared stories from vibrant and diverse Nevadan families. We are proud Nevada has moved forward to respond to the life and death situations that workers without paid sick time have.”