Richmond—Workers and advocates are celebrating today as HB5, a bill to allow paid sick days, took the first step towards becoming law by passing out of the House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2 on a vote of 5-2. When working Virginians get sick, far too many of them face an impossible choice: go to work sick and risk their own health and the health of people around you, or miss a paycheck that allows them to pay rent and put food on the table.
“Paid sick leave is non-negotiable for working families, and today Virginia took a step towards doing the right thing by passing HB5 out of subcommittee,” said Ashleigh Crocker, Interim Executive Director of Progress Virginia. “For too long, workers have been forced to choose between their health and a paycheck, while wealthy corporations refused to do their fair share. The passage of HB5 is a major victory for working people and a clear affirmation that paid leave is a justice issue. This bill will make a real difference for families across the Commonwealth, especially the Black and Brown women who too often carry the burden of care at the expense of their own health and financial security. We’re proud of the workers and advocates who never backed down, and we look forward to this bill being signed into law and finally delivering the dignity and security that working families deserve.”
Background:
- The bill would require all employers to provide five paid sick days (40 hours) each year for full-time workers that can be used for themselves or to care for sick family members.
- 76% of Virginians currently have no access to paid leave
- 61% of Virginians cannot even access unpaid leave to recover from an illness or care for a sick family member.
- Recent polling suggests that 85% of voters support paid leave policies.