Originally published November 3, 2009 at 3:03 PM | Page modified November 4, 2009 at 9:45 AM

Comments (5) E-mail article Print view Share

Lawmaker wants sick pay for workers with swine flu

A senior House lawmaker is asking Congress to guarantee paid sick leave to workers if their employer asks them to stay home with swine flu or a similar contagious illness.

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON —

A senior House lawmaker is asking Congress to guarantee paid sick leave to workers if their employer asks them to stay home with swine flu or a similar contagious illness.

House Education and Labor Committee chairman George Miller says his measure would protect about 50 million workers with no paid sick leave.

Many of those employees work in low-wage jobs in food service and hospitality, where they could make others sick. Miller says those workers shouldn't have to choose between their paychecks and the health of co-workers or customers.

The bill would cover employees in businesses with 15 or more workers. Businesses that already offer at least five days paid sick leave would be exempt.

A hearing will take place this month. Miller plans to seek a quick floor vote.

E-mail article Print view Share

More Nation & World

Snow shuts down federal government, life goes on

Doctors may alter psychiatric diagnoses

Haiti parents testify they gave kids to Americans

Haiti raises earthquake's death toll to 230,000

Lots of Buzz over Google latest bid at social networking

More Nation & World headlines...

Comments (5)

Hide comments / Show comments

For clarification, that's Rep. George Miller, D-California. Posted on November 3, 2009 at 7:12 PM by 60sCynic. Jump to comment

I got the flu. I'm retired but 3 or 4 hundred bucks would make me feel better real quick. Posted on November 3, 2009 at 7:22 PM by stagefour. Jump to comment

This will be a big help to small business. This should be shot down with a quick vote Posted on November 3, 2009 at 4:08 PM by BDUBU. Jump to comment

Read all comments / Share your thoughts