It is, for those who do not receive paid sick time off, a delicate balance. Go to work while you’re not feeling well, possibly make yourself feel even more miserable, have a very tough day at work and, if all goes entirely wrong, get some of your coworkers sick as well. On the other hand, you can stay home, lie in bed, drink plenty of fluids and just sleep, i.e. – the perfect way to get over a cold or the flu. But, if you choose the latter, you don’t get paid.
For millions of Americans, each bout with a cold or the flu comes down to these tough decisions. Now that flu season has struck with a vengeance, many are arguing that laws should be enacted to guarantee paid sick time. Already, in New York City, lawmakers are considering a sick leave proposal that would guarantee workers’ rights.
The issue isn’t as easy as some may think, however. Sure, it would be great for everyone to have paid time off when they’re sick, but for small businesses – already bearing the brunt of most taxes in the U.S. – the move would be yet another strike against the politicians who purport to be "friends of small businesspeople." Notes Michael Sinensky, owner of seven bars and restaurants in New York, "We're at the point, right now, where we cannot afford additional social initiatives." Sinensky notes that his business are in "survival mode" after the massive losses he took after Sandy hit. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, it’s clear that the issue involves a balancing act for everyone involved, including employees, employers and the politicians who will, hopefully, somehow get this one right.
For millions of Americans, each bout with a cold or the flu comes down to these tough decisions. Now that flu season has struck with a vengeance, many are arguing that laws should be enacted to guarantee paid sick time. Already, in New York City, lawmakers are considering a sick leave proposal that would guarantee workers’ rights.
The issue isn’t as easy as some may think, however. Sure, it would be great for everyone to have paid time off when they’re sick, but for small businesses – already bearing the brunt of most taxes in the U.S. – the move would be yet another strike against the politicians who purport to be "friends of small businesspeople." Notes Michael Sinensky, owner of seven bars and restaurants in New York, "We're at the point, right now, where we cannot afford additional social initiatives." Sinensky notes that his business are in "survival mode" after the massive losses he took after Sandy hit. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, it’s clear that the issue involves a balancing act for everyone involved, including employees, employers and the politicians who will, hopefully, somehow get this one right.