TWU Pushes Paid Sick Days for Westchester County Workers

TWU members and officers joined Westchester County Legislator and Majority Leader Catherine Borgia on March 27th to announce introduction of legislation that would mandate paid sick days for more than 120,000 workers in Westchester County.

Approximately 36% percent of full-time and part-time workers in the county – 123,000 people – do not get paid sick days, including hundreds of TWU School Bus Division members. Many of those denied the option of taking a paid sick day are workers who can least afford to lose a day’s worth of income. Many work in jobs that bring them in close contact with children, transit riders, and other members of the public. Currently in Westchester, 54% of workers in service occupations and 47% in transportation, including food service workers, bus operators, and home health aides – three groups of workers which can very easily, and rapidly, spread disease – do not get paid sick leave.

“It’s outrageous that hard working men and women in the wealthiest country on earth are forced to choose between working while sick or feeding their families,” TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen said. “It’s inherently unfair - and a public health risk for everyone. This legislation will fix this injustice.”

Under the proposed bill, businesses with at least five employees would have to provide up to 5 paid sick days. Workers would earn a minimum of one hour paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Paid sick leave could be used for both physical and mental illness. It could also be used if an employee needs to take care of a sick family member.

“Employers should have the decency to let a parent stay home and take care of a sick child, and not penalize them by withholding pay for the day if they do,” Samuelsen said. “If employers won’t do the right thing, this law will force them to do the right thing.” “It is about time we treat all workers in Westchester County with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Legislator Catherine Borgia.

In addition to Borgia, Majority Whip Alfreda Williams (D-Greenburgh), Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D-Hastings-on-Hudson), Legislator Ben Boykin (D-White Plains), and Legislator Catherine Parker (D-Rye) have announced their support of the measure. Committee hearings must be held before the measure can be moved to a vote.