Monday, May 4, 2009

Prevent Swine Flu with Paid Sick Days

Swine flu, a potentially pandemic flu virus, is being reported all over the world including in the U.S. We now have over 60 confirmed cases in the U.S. and over a hundred deaths in Mexico. Five schools in Milwaukee have been closed for the rest of the week.

Problem:
Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared Swine Flu a public health emergency in the United States. White House officials monitoring the situation recommend that: "If you're sick, stay home, get treatment, go see a doctor."
That's easier said than done. Today, 43% of workers don't get a single paid sick day. How do the experts expect people to stay home when they're sick? For up to date information about swine flu, visit the Center for Disease Control website.

Solution:
Our country should allow all working people to earn paid sick days to ensure our economic security, and protect public health.

Take Action Now!
Ask your U.S. Representatives to support the Healthy Families Act by clicking here.
Sign our petition to tell our country's leaders that all workers need and deserve paid sick days
Keep pressure on Milwaukee Mayor Barrett to encourage paid sick time, join 9to5, community groups and kids at City Hall 3:30PM on May 6 for postcard delivery to the Mayor's office. The Mayor has started to reverse course acknowledging the "spirit" of paid sick time here and we want to make sure the city defends voters and the law, not the MMAC, in court May 11 (starting at 1:30PM, County Courthouse)

Please take action by May 15th.