Press conference to release new study finding tremendous cost-savings for California employers that provide workers with paid sick days. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, author of the Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces bill (AB 2716) to allow all California workers to earn paid sick days, will be joined by experts, workers and supporters at the event.  Speakers will also present the economic, public health and workforce benefits of AB 2716 at the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee hearing later in the day.

Press Conference, 10 AM Wednesday, April 9
Hearing before the Assembly Labor & Employment Committee, 1:30 PM

Press Conference, East Steps of State Capitol (near fish pond – 12th Street & L Street)
Hearing, State Capitol, Room 447

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D- San Francisco), author of AB 2716

Vicky Lovell, Ph.D., author of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research study that finds that employers would benefit greatly from the California paid sick days legislation                 

Kathleen Martinez, a single mother of three with two part-time food service jobs and no paid sick days

Janel Martinez, former Chair of Bay Area 9to5 National Association of Working Women and a single mother who has struggled without paid sick days.

Martha Mendoza, a worker with no paid sick days who is now faced with a possible foreclosure of her house.

Several other workers will share personal stories how this legislation would help them

Nearly six million Californians – more than two in five workers in the state – do not get any paid sick days. Going to work sick creates an unhealthy workplace and puts co-workers and customers at risk, but many workers have no choice. The Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act, AB 2716 (Ma) would allow workers to earn paid sick days that can be used to care for themselves, a sick family member, or to recover from domestic violence or sexual assault. The new study from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research finds that the paid sick days bill would provide tremendous benefits to California employers. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, California Employment Development Department, and U.S. Census Bureau, the study evaluates the likely impact of AB 2716 on the state’s workers and employers. For more information on the legislation, visit www.paidsickdaysCA.org.