Paid sick leave is a mark of respect for our workers

ON MAY 2, a guest column titled “Sick Leave Mandate Would Be Bad for Business” was published in this newspaper. Putting aside the numerous studies that dispute or contradict this claim, this law would affect more than simply business; having a paid sick leave law that includes every worker in the city of Albuquerque would bring businesses, families and other stakeholders in our community together to care for one other.

That’s what Albuquerque is about, isn’t it?

We all get sick, but the reality here is that more than 105,000 workers in Albuquerque do not have access to any type of sick leave. Many of these are service workers, folks who are forced to choose between showing up to do their job and potentially spreading contagious illness, or staying home and facing termination. Because these workers are unable to stay home to care for children, spouses or parents, their families suffer, as well. Families are the true backbone of our city, and they deserve the dignity that comes with access to paid sick leave.

The aforementioned column made a hollow, morally bankrupt case for why the sick leave law was voted against last October. This mirrors a time when, over a century ago, regulations were floated that required factories to have emergency exits in the event of fires; business leaders complained about the expense. That debate now seems ridiculous in its callous disregard for humanity to protect the “bottom line.” But the paid sick leave debate, about the dignity of working people to be able to care for themselves and the ability of our community to support public health, is really no different. It’s still some in the business community choosing to disregard the health and wellness of their workers.

A new paid sick leave ordinance now sits in front of the Albuquerque City Council. Though imperfect, it is a step in the right direction and evidence that political will exists to enact this crucial reform.

Albuquerque families deserve respect for their hard work and giving workers access to paid sick leave is an essential part of doing that. KEEGAN KLOER Albuquerque