In September 2011, the City of Seattle adopted minimum standards for paid sick and safe leave, covering most people employed inside the city limits.
Beginning in September 2012, an estimated 150,000 people will newly have the right to earn time off with pay to attend to their own health needs, care for a sick family member, or deal with the consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Thousands of additional workers who already have some paid leave benefits will gain greater access to paid sick days.
Many of the people who now must choose between going to work sick or losing a day’s pay are employed in restaurants, grocery stores, retail, and health care – putting all of us at risk.
The Economic Opportunity Institute helped lead the Seattle Coalition for a Healthy Workforce in a successful campaign to pass the Paid Sick and Safe Days ordinance in Seattle, and we learned a lot. From partnering with business owners to working with policy makers, this report outlines – from our experience – some of the key ingredients to winning policy change for working people and families.
More To Read
September 28, 2023
Coming to a town near you—the EOI Policy Team!
To understand the needs and priorities of our state’s different regions, EOI is listening to the people and communities most impacted by our policy priorities.
September 12, 2023
Everyone Loses Under Washington’s Tax System
Except billionaires. And even they lose.
September 6, 2023
This Washington Shows That Washington: Proposed Federal Overtime Protections Can Go Further
Thanks to the work of advocates, thousands of Washington workers are already getting a better deal at work