As part of Governor’s Walz budget bill for the Department of Labor and Industry, sick and safe time had an informational hearing this week in the Senate. The bill provides, at minimum, one hour of paid earned sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked. The bill sets a minimum of 48 hours per year with the option to carry forward at least 80 hours into the following year. Those earning earned sick and safe time cannot use their accrued time in the first 90 days of employment. Someone who qualifies must work at least 80 hours a year for an employer.
The pandemic only highlighted the need for workers to have access to this time. Before the pandemic, people had to decide whether to miss a day of pay or go to work sick or whether to collect a paycheck or take care of a sick loved one. Sick and safe time faces long odds, as Senate Republicans oppose the proposal. (SF 3881)
