Westchester County Pass Paid Sick Days

Statement by Family Values @ Work Co-Directors Ellen Bravo and Wendy Chun-Hoon on Passage of Paid Sick Days in Westchester County

“Family Values @ Work congratulates the Westchester-Putnam Community/Labor Coalition for Employee Earned Sick Time (WESPAC Foundation) for their leadership in the successful passage of earned sick days in Westchester County. This victory will ensure that 123,000 people in Westchester will newly have access to paid sick days, bringing the total number of workers nationwide with new access to nearly 17 million.

“Under Westchester County’s new law, employees who work 40 hours a week for a company with five or more employees will now gain access to up to five job-protected paid sick days per year to care for themselves or a loved one, helping to keep themselves, their families and their community healthy and safe. Those who work in smaller firms will earn five days of job-protected, unpaid leave.

“We are glad to see that the bill has an inclusive family definition. While this legislation is a great start, we look forward to the Board of Legislators’ introduction of a safe time bill so that those who need paid time to deal with the aftermath of domestic or sexual abuse are covered as well.

“Momentum for paid sick days continues to grow. Westchester County’s win is the seventh this year, with more on the horizon. We applaud Westchester for taking this big step and look forward to more wins throughout the state, including Albany County, where a broad coalition has been organizing to win paid sick days.”

Please read the NY Coalition Statement: Westchester Workers and Community Leaders Applaud Passage of Earned Sick Leave Bill

Family Values @ Work is a network of coalitions in 27 states fighting for – and winning – paid sick and safe days and family and medical leave insurance.