Austin Workers' Advocates Urge Paid Sick Days Ordinance Passage

AUSTIN, TX — Advocates for the working class are urging Austin City Council members to pass an ordinance that would compel all local employers to provide employees paid sick leave.

Council members on Friday released a model paid sick days ordinance to be considered for passage next month. The nonprofit Workers Defense Project is among those pushing for passage of the employer guidelines, saying 223,000 working men and women would benefit from a paid sick days policy.

“This paid sick days policy will protect Austin working families that are struggling to make ends meet and who risk their jobs when they get sick,” José P. Garza, Executive Director, Workers Defense Project, said in a prepared statement. “A strong economy is built on strong families, and earned paid sick time is good for parents and children.”

Added Ann Beeson, Executive Director, Center for Public Policy Priorities: "Earning paid sick days helps keep working families healthy and financially secure, so we’re excited that the Austin City Council is considering this important issue,” said “Passing this ordinance would be a booster shot for public health and economic opportunity in our community."

Matt Wright, Owner of Wright Bros. Brew & Brew, also supports the ordinance. “Our business is proud to stand with Austin working families by supporting a paid sick days policy,” he said. “We value our employees and understand that life happens and they or a loved one may get sick. This policy is good for Austin workers and businesses”

In a prepared statement, council member Greg Casar said the model ordinance is the culmination of a long-fought initiative he hopes will see fruition come February.

“I have been a part of many democratic processes, but personally, this ordinance is the culmination of one of the most thorough and demanding processes I’ve ever participated in,” Casar said. “I’m grateful for the working families, small business leaders, and advocates who have been engaged in this policy process to ensure no one in Austin has to choose between paying their bills or taking care of themselves or a loved one when they are sick. I’m committed to making this the best possible policy for all Austinites, and look forward to bringing this to City Council for a vote on February 15th.”

Workers Defense Project officials noted the model ordinance was posted after the City of Austin conducted a lengthy community input and involvement process. To see the sick day ordnance that was posted online, click here. WDP officials also provided a FACT SHEET related to the effort.

Austin City Council members first proposed the measure in late September 2017 that would require employers to provide paid sick days for their workers. It's estimated more than 60 percent of employers currently provide paid sick leave, but council members aim to increase that total to 100 percent.

On Sept. 28, 2017, city staff was directed to secure feedback from members of the community in connection to the proposed ordinance in crafting policy. Among the findings:

• Approximately 37% of workers in the City of Austin lack paid sick time.
• Latino and African-American workers are less likely to have paid sick time than workers in any other racial or ethnic group/
• Paid sick time can result in reduced worker turnover for employers.
• Low-income workers are significantly less likely to have paid sick time than other members of the workforce.

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