Congress to Consider Emergency Paid Leave Bill

From SHRM (Society of Human Resources Managers)

In response to the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., introduced emergency legislation (H.R. 3991) that would provide five paid sick days to workers with contagious diseases who are told by their employers to stay home.

Miller, who chairs the House Education and Labor Committee, told reporters that the legislation was needed to help stop the spread of the expanding H1N1 pandemic. To emphasize that point, Miller named the proposal the Emergency Influenza Containment Act.

“Sick workers advised to stay home by their employers shouldn’t have to choose between their livelihood, and their co-workers’ or customers’ health,” Miller said. “This will not only protect employees, but it will save employers money by ensuring that sick employees don’t spread infection to co-workers and customers, and will relieve the financial burden on our health system swamped by those suffering from H1N1.” Read more.

Bill Leonard is senior writer for SHRM.