Union Pushes for Earned Sick Leave Bill in Westchester

Vice President Pete Rosconi, one of the featured speakers, told the assembled media the Earned Sick Leave legislation should be passed without delay now that Democrats have control of the county government. Democrat George Latimer was elected county executive in November, and Democrats won a veto-proof majority on the Board of Legislators.

TWU Local 100 joined more than a dozen labor and community groups to demonstrate support for Earned Sick Leave legislation in Westchester County on Monday, May 21st.

More than 50 people - union members, elected union officers, community leaders and activists - packed the steps of the Westchester County government building on Martine Ave. during the spirited White Plains rally.“We are asking them, we are demanding, that they get this legislation passed,” Rosconi said. (see video)

Under a bill that was introduced last year, workers who currently don’t get paid sick days from their employers would earn one hour of earned paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Eligible workers would get a maximum of five days per year. The bill mirrors one adopted in NYC several years ago.

In Westchester, more than 120,000 workers – many in the food service and student transportation industries - are compelled to go to work when they are sick because they otherwise will have their pay docked. That means contagious illnesses are being spread throughout our communities because sick workers are not being afforded the ability to take care of themselves, or a loved one, at home.

Several county legislators who attended the rally promised they would get the bill enacted. They said they were working to ensure that it would be legally solid and enforceable.

Westchester County Executive Latimer has said he will sign Earned Sick Leave legislation if it lands on his desk.