In Summer 2007, the Labor Project for Working Families conducted a survey of California unions on paid sick days. Twenty responded. Here’s what they said:

What is the average number of paid sick days that your union members have?

• 20% have 0 paid sick days
• 25% have 3-5 paid sick days
• 55% have 5-15 paid sick days

What is the greatest challenge to winning or keeping paid sick days in your contract?

• Workers are penalized for using paid sick days
• Use of sick days is documented on their performance review
• They are disciplined
• New hires can use sick days only after probationary period - 90 days
• Employees do not get paid on the first day they are out sick
• No pay for first sick day unless seen by doctor - even if it’s not serious
• Employers want to provide unpaid sick leave
• Employers claim it cost too much to provide sick days
• Hard to negotiate when other economic benefits are at stake
• Difficult to bring up in negotiations

Do you believe that California workers should have a minimum number of paid sick days?

• 100% of the unions surveyed agree there should be a minimum number of paid sick days for all workers.

If you would like to fill out a survey or receive more information, please contact Brenda Muñoz at brenda@working-families.org or (510) 643-7088.