Recently, the New York Times ran a compelling article about the vast numbers of American workers lacking paid sick days, and how critical paid sick days are in putting the breaks on the H1N1 epidemic. We have to act fast--the time for paid sick days in NYC is now! We can't do it without your help, however. Read on to learn more about bringing paid sick days to the Big Apple:

Why bring paid sick days to New York City?

• Over one million workers in New York City lack a single paid sick day to take care of their own health, care for an ill or disabled family member, or access domestic violence services. The people of New York City deserve better than that, and we can make a change.

   

Legislative update:

• • Great news! As of early November 2009, 39 out of 51 City Council members have signed on in support of bringing a paid sick days law to NYC.

   

• • We can't celebrate yet, though--this legislation can only be passed if it is brought to a vote. This is something only the Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn, can do, and it hasn't been done yet.

   

Mom voices matter! Take action now.

• Contact Christine Quinn, the City Council Speaker, to ask her to bring the critical paid sick days bill up for a vote. Click here to take action!

   

Mark your calendar!

• Incredible event alert! On Tuesday, November 17th, at high noon, Gloria Steinem will be speaking at a City Hall steps rally in support of the proposed paid sick days bill currently being considered by the City Council. Meet at the City Hall steps at 12:00 noon for a rally, and stay for the paid sick days hearing at 1:00pm. For more information, contact Katie@momsrising.org. Don't miss it!

   

About the NYC paid sick days bill:

• The bill ensures that all workers have the opportunity to earn paid sick hours -- up to 72 hours for employees of large companies, and up to 40 hours for employees of small companies. Workers would be able to use their paid sick time to care for themselves and their families, whether that means taking time off to obtain medical treatment for one's own physical or mental illnesses; dealing with issues related to domestic violence; attending to an ailing family member; or responding when a public official closes a school due to a public health emergency.

   

To learn more about why paid sick days are crucial for American families, communities, and businesses, click here.