Following Unusually Severe Flu Season, Brown Outlines Efforts to Ensure Workers are Allowed Paid Sick Leave

Press Release

Following an unusually severe flu season, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) outlined efforts to ensure paid sick leave for workers and keep Ohio families healthy. While more than 8,800 Ohioans have been hospitalized because of the influenza virus this season, 1.9 million Ohioans -- or 45 percent of the workforce -- do not have a single paid sick day that they can use to care for themselves or a sick family member. Low wage workers are even less likely to have access to paid sick days. In Ohio, more than 27 percent of jobs are low-wage jobs.

"Ohioans shouldn't have to choose between their health or a paycheck," Brown said. "That's why the Healthy Families Act is so important. Guaranteeing paid sick and family leave to all Americans would protect public health and increase economic security for millions of families. We know that when workers are healthy, they are more productive. Providing sick days can help decrease turnover and give employers safer, healthier, and more stable workplaces."

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