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Paid sick leave; a topic of debate

Lawmakers push tougher sick leave laws

Updated: Sunday, 20 Jan 2013, 10:19 PM CST
Published : Sunday, 20 Jan 2013, 10:17 PM CST

Omar Lewis

AUSTIN (KXAN) -

Across the country, millions of people have suffered through one of the toughest flu seasons in recent years.

Whenever the flu strikes that leads many to make a tough decision; go to work sick or stay home unpaid. That decision is leading to a debate about changing the laws for paid sick leave in some areas.

Here in Texas the laws are simple, no private-sector employers are required to provide paid or unpaid leave of any kind. And that's the case in many states across the country.

The idea has lawmakers in New York looking to add sick leave proposals, where employers would be forced to offer their employees paid sick leave.

"Speaking as someone who doesn't have paid sick leave at my job, we have to take vacation days if we are sick," said Lisa Morin, who works in Austin. "That is something I'm in support of."

Studies show that 40% of all private sector workers don't have paid sick leave; that's over 40 million people. It's estimated that a lack of sick time help spread the flu to 5 million people in 2009.

Employers against the proposal say adding paid sick leave cost them too much money.

"I understand why they don't want to do it," said Frederick Scott, who is self employed. "It's the bottom line, but I think if they actually thought about it they would save more money by having more employees not getting sick."

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Paid sick leave; a topic of debate

Lawmakers push tougher sick leave laws

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