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Senate Committee Talks Paid Sick Leave For H1N1

By Scott Sarvay
June 18, 2010 Updated Nov 10, 2009 at 5:35 PM EST WASHINGTON (Indiana's NewsCenter) - With the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, some businesses are experiencing a high absentee rate. Tuesday morning the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held hearing on "the cost of being sick: H1N1 and paid sick days." Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd introduced emergency legislation that would guarantee paid sick leave for workers affected by seasonal or H1N1 flu. The measure would require that employers give employees up to five paid days if they or a member of their family gets the flu. Senator Dodd says, “The Centers for Disease Control has strongly recommended that you stay home until your fever has ended and for at least another 24 hours after that. This isn't just a workers' rights issue, it's a public health emergency. Families shouldn't have to choose between staying healthy and making ends meet.” Dodd says this would help stop the spread of illness because infected workers would be more likely to stay home. And, he says it will benefit parents who need to be home to care for sick children. A similar bill has been introduced in the House. Opponents say the proposal puts an expensive burden on employers.
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