Paid Sick Days - Washington

Earning paid sick days keeps bodies - and bottom lines - healthy

Washington State

Washington State already sets minimum standards for wages, child labor, and worker health and safety. These laws safeguard workers and the public, protect businesses from undercutting by unscrupulous competitors, and make our communities stronger.

But 43% of American workers in private firms receive no paid sick days - over 1 million workers in Washington state. One-fourth of workers get no vacation, and 92% get no paid family leave.

Attempts in 2003 and 2006 to establish paid sick legislation for Washington state have not yet been successful, but with continued strong public support for the measures, and momentum building in other states and cities for similar measures, Washington may soon have the the legislative support required to pass a paid sick days bill.

Around the Nation

Several U.S. cities have adopted ordinances guaranteeing minimum paid sick days for every worker, and many states have considered similar measures. Nationally, the Healthy Families Act (Senate Bill 1152, House Resolution 2460) is poised to do the same.

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Who Can Stay Home with the Flu?

Nearly 4 in 10 private sector workers lack even one paid sick day, and many more face disciplinary action if they do call in sick. In a world where diseases mutate and spread across the globe in weeks, Americans need paid sick days to protect our health and our economy. Policy Brief »