December 17, 2014
By Neal Tepel
Trenton, NJ — The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is continuing to spearhead the drive for statewide earned sick leave legislation. On Monday December 15th, bill A-2354 was released by the New Jersey Assembly Budget Committee.
The bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji requires employers throughout the state to provide earned sick leave so that employees can take time off when they or a close family member gets sick without being docked a day’s wages or fearing for their job.
“This common sense bill allows workers to earn sick time for hours worked,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. “When workers accrue time off, they can afford to stay home when they are sick, or keep their children home from school when they are sick. Amendments make this bill one that all our affiliates can support.”
Research consistently demonstrates that earned sick days policies work. In cities and states that require earned sick leave, workers report higher levels of job satisfaction, less turnover and higher quality-of-life. Studies show that employers report no hardships in complying with the law. When workers have access to earned sick time, customers and clients are far less likely to be exposed to illnesses.
***The New Jersey State AFL-CIO represents one million members.
