Lawmaker proposes worker protections
A local lawmaker is introducing legislation to assist those who may be impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus.
A local lawmaker is introducing legislation to assist those who may be impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus.
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-10th Dist., has proposed legislation that aims to protect workers during a public health crisis.
“Currently, there is no law in Pennsylvania that protects an employee from termination if placed under quarantine or isolation during a public health emergency,” Santarsiero’s office said in a statement.
“Sen. Santarsiero’s legislation would support workers so they can take the necessary precautions to prevent the spreading of viruses, without fear of retaliation from their employers,” the statement said.
According to a sponsorship memo from Santarsiero, the state and federal governments can both declare a need to isolate and quarantine during a public health emergency, but most states, including Pennsylvania, do not address whether an employer can fire an employee under those circumstances.
“I want to thank Sen. Santarsiero for looking out for workers across Pennsylvania,”
said Tom Tosti, President of the Bucks County Council AFL-CIO.
“This is important for all workers across the state, to know that their jobs are safe while they’re in this required quarantine or isolation,” he said.
The legislation was proposed Monday and as of Monday afternoon cosponsors include state Sens.
Maria Collett, D-12th; Sen. Bob Mensch, R-24th, and numerous others, according to Santarsiero’s office.
“No one should have to fear losing their job, through no fault of their own, during a public health emergency,” Santarsiero said in the memo.
On March 6, Gov. Tom Wolf signed an emergency disaster declaration to provide increased support to state agencies involved in the response to Coronavirus, and the state has already sent legal quarantine notices to those with presumed positive cases.
“However, we need to support workers so they can take the necessary precautions to prevent the spreading of the disease, without fear of repercussions from their employer,” Santarsiero said.
“Workers should not be fired if they’ve been quarantined or isolated during a public health emergency.”
Those interested in learning more about the proposed legislation are invited to attend a telephone town hall conversation with Santarsiero and medical professionals at 7:15 p.m. on March 12.
For more information or to submit questions, visit www.SenatorSantarsiero.com or follow @SenSantarsiero on Twitter.
“No one should have to fear losing their job, through no fault of their own, during a public health emergency.”
— State Sen. Steve Santarsiero