Family Values at Work - A Multi-State Consortium

Wisconsin

Interviewing kids

9to5 Wisconsin is building a state coalition to advance state legislation that mirrors the historic Milwaukee ordinance passed by nearly 70% of voters in November 2008.  That new minimum standard would allow workers—including part-timers and temps—to earn one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked up to a maximum of 9 days a year; those in small firms accrue 1 hour for every 40 hours worked up to a maximum of 5 days. The Paid Sick Days Coalition, led by 9to5, includes public health advocates, labor and progressive employers, mothers’ groups, teachers and economic development experts, advocates for children and those with disabilities, members of the faith community and those who oppose domestic violence. Groups have been mobilizing to appeal a court ruling on a lawsuit brought by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. The judge upheld paid sick days as a minimum labor standard but struck down the ordinance for including time for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault to seek shelter or take legal action.
State Assembly members have committed to sponsor and are working with a Better Balance to draft legislation that could move as early as this fall.

Contact: Amy Stear, amys@9to5.org, 414-274-0923.
www.paidsickdaysmke.org
Press coverage:
Free Event Honoring Lt. Gov. Lawton "How Families at Risk Succeed at Work" 4/8/2010
Court of Appeals moves Paid Sick Days on to State Supreme Court "State Supreme Court to Hear Paid Sick Days Case" 3/17/2010
State Assembly Passes School Conference Leave Bill "Finally! Assembly Provides Some Relief for Working Parents" 2/24/2010
9to5 Member quoted in NYT piece, "Lack of Paid Sick Days May Worsen Flu Pandemic" 11/2/2009
Milwaukeean Voters Proven Right A Year After the Vote "One Year Later, A National Emergency" 11/4/2009
9to5 Milwaukee member and Teacher's perspective in Milwaukee Journal and national publications "Sick Leave Can Curb H1N1" 10/6/2009
Importance of paid safe time for domestic violence survivors "All of Us Deserve Time" 10/1/2009
9to5 Milwaukee staff author op-ed on paid safe time "Paid Sick Days will Slow Dangerous Flu" 7/24/2009