Paid Sick Days

EVERYONE GETS SICK. NOT EVERYONE HAS TIME TO GET BETTER.

View the Bill (HB 662-FN)

Please Vote YES on HB 662 for Paid Sick Days

Healthy workers are critical to a productive economy! The bill defines procedures for requesting paid sick or safe leave for employees needing health care or who are absent due to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. The Department of Labor is the designated agency to administer the program.

What does this bill do?

HB 662-FN requires employers to provide up to 5 paid sick days per year for their employees. Nearly half of private-sector workers are not able to take a paid sick day when they are ill.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that workers stay home from work when sick with common illnesses like the flu. Workers without paid sick days don’t have that option, and we all risk getting sick. Businesses with healthy workers have greater productivity.

Who will this bill help?

• New Hampshire’s Economy. If workers were offered seven paid sick days a year, our national economy would experience a net savings of $8.1 billion a year due to increased productivity and reduced turnover.
• New Hampshire’s Businesses. Paid sick days would save employers money by reducing turnover and keeping other workers from contracting illnesses. Replacing workers, including advertising positions and interviewing and training replacements is often greater than the costs of paid sick time to retain existing workers.
• Working Families. Children who are sick must stay home from school and childcare for 24 hours. Paid sick days enable parents to care for their children without fear of losing a paycheck or job.
• Our Health Care System. Preventive care is critical for decreasing the number of avoidable hospitalizations, which in turn, reduces health care costs.
• Low-Wage Workers: Nearly half of stomach “flu”-related outbreaks caused by the norovirus are linked to ill food-service workers—and they are among the least likely to have paid sick days.

You have a voice. Make it heard!

In a nation that prides itself on family values, we need to do a better job of valuing our nation's families. Here are a few quick ways to get involved:

1. Find Local Campaigns — The momentum is building. Get involved in your local campaign.
2. Start Your Own Campaign — Campaigns are happening all over the country. Learn how to start one today!
3. Contact Congress — Urge your elected officials support the federal Healthy Families Act!
4. Share Your Story — If you or a loved one have been affected by not having paid sick days or if you’re outraged by the injustice tell us about it.
5. Tell Others —- Raise awareness by sending an e-mail to co-workers, friends and family.
6. Print A Flyer — Distribute copies to friends, co-workers and even strangers!

View our Resources on this topic!