On 9to5 National Day of Action: Paid Sick Days Now!

 On August 26, 2010, Women/s Equality Day -- the 90th anniversary of women’s right to vote – 9to5 members, volunteers and allies will speak out, raise awareness and take action for paid sick days.  

Our ‘9to5 National Day of Action: Paid Sick Days Now!” is designed to shine a light on the need for federal legislation, the Healthy Families Act, which would guarantee paid sick days as a basic labor standard in the American workplace. The day will also build and heighten support for paid sick days campaigns in states such as New York, Maine, Colorado and nearly 20 others..   Winning paid sick days is more important than ever -- especially as we continue to deal with public health risks and a tough economy, where millions of workers are struggling mightily to hang onto their jobs while also caring for their families. More than 57 million workers lack paid sick days and nearly 100 million lack a paid sick day they can use to care for an ill child. Too many face income loss or job loss simply for getting sick.   Consider this story. Latisha, a 9to5 member in Milwaukee, was pregnant when she contracted H1N1 flu – and she had no paid sick days. She was forced to go to work. With two children and another on the way, Latisha worried about what it would mean if she spread H1N1 to her co-workers. But she worried more about what it would mean to her family if she lost pay or lost her job.   9to5’s Activist Network members – more than 1,800 strong -- are already working hard to improve the workplace for women like Latisha. Members are also working in 9to5 Chapters.   Activist Amy Howering of Arbuckle, CA works to make sure 9to5 has a strong presence at the state capitol. Sarah Friedmann, of Flagstaff, AZ, works to connect Lesbian-, Gay-, Bisexual-, Transgender-rights and women’s rights. Mandie Freyta, in Denver, distributes information on her college campus. Sherry Johnson, in Milwaukee, regularly shares the story about how the lack of paid sick days caused her to lose her job after having eye surgery.    In the days leading up to the 9to5 National Day of Action on August 26, many more of us can have the opportunity to speak out for passing paid sick days legislation. Whether you live in Anchorage or Atlanta, there is action you can take to educate and engage your local community.  What can you do to help pass the Healthy Families Act and move forward campaigns in the states?   Can you pass out a flyer, talk to your co-workers or collect stories of discrimination? Maybe you can take on a larger project like performing street theatre, organizing a rally or meeting with an elected official?    Visit www.9to5.org to sign up for the latest updates on 9to5 National Day of Action: Paid Sick Days Now! and to secure your copy of the Activist Network Toolkit. You may also contact activist [at] 9to5 [dot] org (activist [at] 9to5 [dot] org), or call 404-688-0164 or 800-669-0769.   Remember, pump up the volume and ensure a future where paid sick days is reality for all workers on August 26, Women’s Equality Day -- 9to5’s National Day of Action!   By Asha Leong Online Organizer