President Obama called on the Republican-led Congress on Saturday to follow his example and pass a law that would guarantee workers in the private sector have the chance to accrue paid sick leave.
“Today, having both parents in the workforce is an economic necessity for many families,” Obama said in the White House’s weekly address. “But right now, millions of Americans don’t have access to even a single day of paid sick leave.”
The lame duck president said his plan to require federal contractors give their employees up to seven paid sick days each year starting Jan. 1, 2017 is a good start and one that Congress should follow when it creates regulations for the private sector. Currently 40 million private sector employees do not earn a single paid sick day of pay.
“It will help about one million workers when they or a loved one gets sick. It will cover time you need for preventive care. It will cover absences resulting from domestic violence or sexual assault,” Obama said. “And it means everyone else is less likely to catch what someone else has got — whether it’s a coworker or the person preparing or serving your food.”
Despite repeated calls for the Republican-controlled Congress to draft and pass legislation on the issue, Obama said Republicans have failed him, and more so, Americans. Requiring companies to give employees this benefit would further boost wages, Obama explained. He also said the discussion is not a demographic issue, it’s a necessary part of a modern workforce.
“Paid sick leave isn’t a side issue, or a women’s issue, or something that’s just nice to have. It’s a must-have. By the way, so are economic priorities like child care, paid family leave, equal pay and a higher minimum wage,” Obama said. “And that’s what you should demand of every politician who wants the privilege to serve you.”
