WFSB | Expanded paid sick leave bill heads to the governor’s desk
By Rob Polansky
HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - A bill that expands paid sick day requirements to all employers awaits the governor’s signature.
The bill, An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in The State, was passed by lawmakers in the state Senate on Monday night.
Once it becomes law, it will require all businesses, regardless of size or industry, to provide paid sick time to employees. It will also expand the definition of “family” in paid sick leave policies, and update paid sick leave accrual policy.
Advocates said it will also extend access to “Safe Days,” through which workers can take care of family members who experience domestic violence or sexual assault.
“We are so grateful for the leadership of She Leads Justice, the Connecticut Working Families Party, members of the Paid Sick Days Coalition, and Sen. Julie Kushner for their tireless advocacy to expand paid sick leave to workers across Connecticut,” said Liz Gustafson, Connecticut state director of Reproductive Equity Now, an advocacy group. “Every person must be able to access the health care they want and need without the risk of losing their job, their pay, or their economic security. Whether a person is taking time to access abortion care, pregnancy care, or preventative care, they deserve access to paid sick time. Access to paid sick leave is a matter of public health, and racial, gender, and economic justice. Workers of color—and especially women workers of color—are overrepresented in industries that do not currently provide paid sick days. With last night’s passage by the Connecticut Senate, the Legislature is taking a bold step to advance equity and make it clear that our state will always fight to ensure working people can effectively care for themselves, their families, and their loved ones.”
Seasonal employees would be exempt, along with those with union benefits.
Connecticut’s current law requires businesses with 50 or more employees to offer paid sick days.
Small businesses have told Channel 3 that they viewed the bill as another government mandate and a burden.
Republicans argued that it would be bad for business and add another obstacle to those businesses staying afloat.
