Albany Faith Leaders Call Paid Sick Days a “Moral Issue”

by | Aug 20, 2018 | Press Releases

Area Faith Leaders Urge County Legislature to Pass Local Law C

Albany, NY—On Monday morning, local faith leaders held a press conference outside the Albany County Building to call for guaranteed paid sick days.

They joined members of the Albany Paid Sick Days Coalition in calling for the immediate passage of Local Law C, which would allow all workers in Albany County to accrue a minimum number of paid sick days. Participating organizations included the New York State Council of Churches, Labor Religion Coalition of New York State, Citizen Action of New York, Working Families Party, and Capital District DSA.

Care for the sick and just treatment of workers are core teachings in many faith traditions. Faith leaders made the case that paid sick days are a moral issue, as well as an economic one.

In June, Local Law C was amended to allow businesses with 5 or less employees to offer only unpaid sick days. This carve-out would impact almost half of Albany County businesses and leave 2300 workers without critical income if they have to stay home sick or take care of a child.

“Faith leaders are speaking out about Paid Sick Days because how we treat workers is a moral issue. Everyone will experience illness at some point in their working life, and every worker should be able to use sick time they have earned when that happens. The fact that so many in our community don’t yet have this protection should concern all people of conscience, and especially our legislators whose job it is to protect the rights and wellbeing of all residents,” said Reverend Emily McNeill, Executive Director of the Labor Religion Coalition.

“As a pastor and director of a food program and pantry, I witness the struggles of the working poor in our community. Many simply cannot afford to call in sick if it means losing wages or angering their boss. Forcing them to work sick is bad for employers and consumers, but most of all it shows a lack of compassion and respect for these workers and their families. I urge the county legislature to pass the Paid Sick Days for all workers immediately,” said Reverend Renee Hollinshed, Interim Executive Director of Focus Churches of Albany.

“Those who are most likely to lack paid sick days are primarily working in low-wage and often part-time jobs. Their jobs in retail, service, and transportation often demand a high degree of contact with consumers. Many of them care for our most vulnerable—our children, elderly, and physically challenged. All of us—churches, non-profits, government entities, and businesses—rely on these workers for our prosperity,” said Reverend Peter Cook, Executive Director, New York State Council of Churches. “In gratitude, we should ensure that people are not forced to work when they are sick or worry they will lose their job if they care for themselves or loved ones.”

“The loss of even a single day’s earnings can be difficult for working families to manage. All of us deserve the benefit of paid sick days. It’s a matter of basic dignity. People of color and women, many of whom are stuck in low-paying industries, are the most likely to be without paid sick days. This can make it harder for them to take care of their own health and the health of their families. We join the growing number of Albany County faith leaders in the calling for the passage of Local Law C,” said Ivette Alfonso, President of Citizen Action of New York.

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