The newly released preliminary report on H1N1 in the workplace from the NYS Assembly Subcommittee on Workplace Safety (chaired by Hon. Rory Lancman) makes the case for guaranteeing paid sick leave for everyone:
Finally, the “Paid Sick Leave Act,”A.3467 Camara/S.2666 Parker, would guarantee sick employees paid leave (up to five days for employers of less than ten employees, and up to ten days for employers of ten or more employees). Employees lacking paid sick time have a strong disincentive to take necessary time off to treat H1N1 illness. Indeed, they may even lose their jobs for taking unpaid sick leave. Employment policies that encourage employees to come to work sick greatly increase the likelihood of H1N1 spreading in the workplace, and should be strongly disfavored.67 (page 22)
