What happens when an employee goes to work sick? First, sick employees are often unproductive. Worse, a sick employee puts other employees at risk of getting sick, too. Suddenly, one sick employee can turn into several sick employees, which can lead to substantially decreased productivity. With these negative consequences, why wouldn’t a sick employee just stay at home?

Many of these employees would likely rather stay home than go to work sick. However, for more than 1.2 million people in New Jersey, staying home sick means losing a day’s worth of income. With bills to pay and mouths to feed, many employees cannot afford to stay at home, even when sick.

Fortunately, several political leaders in New Jersey have teamed up in support of employee rights. They are pushing for earned sick days for all employees in the state. The group, called the New Jersey Time to Care Coalition, argues that giving employees even just a few days of paid sick leave helps business productivity and, in turn, the state’s economy. Because the Assembly Speaker is in favor of the proposed change, a bill will most likely be posted for a vote.

If passed, the bill would provide workers with as many as seven days of paid sick time each year. Employees could use sick time when they are ill, to help a sick family member recover, or to obtain preventive care.

No one should have to choose between their paycheck and their health. Unfortunately, that is a reality for 38 percent of workers in New Jersey’s private sector. Hopefully, New Jersey lawmakers will vote to support these people and make sure they are treated fairly.  If you want to improve the odds, then you should contact your State Assembly and Senate representatives online, or by phone or fax.

Source: New Jersey 101.5, “The Push is on for Earned Sick Days in NJ,” Kevin McArdie, Aug. 9, 2013