Title
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY TO PROMOTE THE OVERALL HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS AND WORKERS IN THE CITY OF NEWARK BY REDUCING THE RISK OF AND SPREAD OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE AND CONTAGION BY REQUIRING A POLICY OF PAID SICK LEAVE FOR WORKERS.
Sponsors: Council Members Ramos and Gonzalez
Deferred 6F-b 110713
Deferred 6F-b 111213
Deferred 6PSF-c 010814/ Public Hearing Open
Deferred 6PSF-a 012214/ Public Hearing Open
Body
Whereas, most workers in Newark will at some time during each year need limited time off from work to take care of their own health needs or the health needs of members of their families; and
Whereas, nationally, nearly forty percent of private sector workers are without any paid sick time. In addition, many workers who do have paid sick time are disciplined for using it - or cannot use that time to care for sick children. In Newark, an estimated 40,000 workers lack paid sick time; and
Whereas, low-income workers are significantly less likely to have paid sick time than other members of the workforce. Nationally, only one in five of the lowest-income workers (21 percent) has access to paid sick time; and
Whereas, providing workers time off to attend to their own health care and the health care of family members will ensure a healthier and more productive workforce in Newark; and
Whereas, paid sick time will have a positive effect on the individual and public health of Newark by allowing sick workers to earn a limited number of hours per year to care for themselves or a close family member when illness strikes or medical needs arise. Paid sick time will reduce recovery time, promote the use of regular medical providers rather than hospital emergency departments, and reduce the likelihood of people spreading illness to other members of the workforce and to the public; and
Whereas, paid sick time will also reduce health care expenditures by promoting access to primary and preventive care. Nationally, providing all workers with pai...
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