VICTORY! Philadelphia's Working Families Secure Earned Sick Days

On February 12, 2014 Philadelphians across the city celebrated a long and arduous fight to secure earned sick daysfor 150,000 residents. The victory, waged by a diverse coalition of community organizations and labor, including CPD’s partner ACTION United and Working Families PA, will impact about 40% of the city’s workforce.

Philadelphia joins 20 other jurisdictions to guarantee workers the ability to earn paid sick days. Many of the city’s workers will now no longer be forced to make the unfair choice of taking care of their health or providing for their families.

Community members began mobilizing for this important policy change in 2011. Despite residents’demands, Mayor Nutter vetoed the legislation in 2011 and again in 2013.  Thanks to the relentlessefforts of community organizations, workers will now accrue at least one hour of earned sick leave forevery 40 hours worked, accounting for approximately five days a year.

CPD congratulates ACTION United, Working Families PA, Pathways PA, and all Philadelphians in this tremendous victory for working people!