Coakley Blasts Baker for Opposition to Earned Sick Time Initiative
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Coakley called the ballot initiative a matter of basic fairness for working women and families across Massachusetts.
“We have now learned that Charlie Baker is opposed to the ballot question to provide earned sick time for every worker in Massachusetts, said Coakley. “Charlie’s opposition to earned sick time shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the difficulties faced by working families, especially working mothers. If corporate CEOs don’t have to choose between caring for a sick child or parent and losing their job, then neither should working families. I believe if we are going to truly tackle income inequality in this Commonwealth and turn this economy around for everyone, we must offer earned sick time for every worker. That’s why I’m going to fight every day to make sure this ballot question passes in November."
The ballot initiative – if passed in November – would allow for employees in Massachusetts to earn and use up to 40 hours of sick time each year.
An Important Issue
According to the Coakley campaign nearly one-third of all Massachusetts employees do not currently have earned sick time. Also, nearly one in four workers report that they have been fired, suspended, punished, or threatened for taking time of for a personal illness or to take care of a family member.
“Right now, there are nearly one million workers in Massachusetts without earned sick time,” said Coakley. “No one should be forced to choose between staying home if they get sick, or to care for a sick child, and potentially losing their job. This is a particular challenge faced by women, with nearly half of working women in the private sector unable to take a single paid sick day. That is wrong.”
Baker’s Response
Additionally, Baker believes that all employers should provide sick time to their employees but is concerned with the one-size-fits-all nature of the bill because it would inhibit employers in providing the benefits that work best for their employees.
“It isn't surprising a career prosecutor doesn't understand that there are more effective ways to achieve this goal without harming small businesses and costing people their jobs,” said Buckley. “Coakley's refusal to join Charlie in boosting the Earned Income Tax Credit, a provision economists agree helps low income working moms, is proof she values cheap political points over helping families get ahead."
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