Mass. unions push bill requiring paid sick days

Mass. unions push bill requiring paid sick days

October 7, 2009

BOSTON—Unions are pushing a bill that would require Massachusetts employers offer workers up to seven paid sick days a year.

The sick days could be used for workers to care for themselves or to attend to a sick child, spouse or parent. They could also be used to visit a doctor or for victims of domestic violence to address psychological, physical or legal concerns.

Unions say the threat of a swine flu outbreak makes it even more important to encourage workers to stay home when sick.

The sick days could carry over from year to year, but employers wouldn't be required to offer more than seven sick days a year and would not be required to pay out unused sick days.

The bill's supporters say an estimated 1.4 million workers in Massachusetts lack paid sick days.