Boston Teachers Union Supports An Act Establishing Paid Sick Time

Joins growing coalition of organizations supporting legislation

April 29, 2013

Boston, MA – The Boston Teachers Union announced its support for the legislation currently being considered at the State House and Senate dubbed “An Act Establishing Paid Sick Time”.  Formally listed as House Bill 1739 and Senate Bill 900, this legislation would require employers to offer paid sick days to their employees.

“This legislation is good for the parents of our students.  One of the many reasons to support “Paid Sick Time” is it would allow parents to stay with sick children at home instead of sending them to school to get more children sick.  This was one of the causes that lead to a spread of whooping cough in the Boston Public Schools a few years ago that caused many schools to close for a week,” said Richard Stutman.

“Nearly one in three businesses in Massachusetts fails to provide any sick time to their employees.  This is a simple issue of fairness and public health.  The BTU strongly urges the legislature to pass this legislation and allow people to care for themselves and their families when they need it,” added Stutman.

Paid Sick Time legislation has been proposed each year during the past decade.  This year has seen added support and momentum for the legislation and could become a reality before this session comes to a close.