Labor activists push for paid sick days under RI law

Rhode Island lawmakers are debating whether or not workers should have guaranteed paid sick days. Activists gathered at the State House last night to speak with representatives about the possible legislation. Georgia Hollister Isman, the State Director for Rhode Island Working Families, said that everyone deserves paid sick leave. The paid days off would include if the worker is sick, if they need to care for a sick family member, and if they are a victim of domestic violence. “In all of those situations you need to take a little time off work, and it shouldn’t impact your ability to buy groceries that week or make your rent at the end of the month,” Hollister Isman said. “You should get paid for a few days off per year to take care of those urgent personal needs we all have.” Hollister Isman also said that paid sick days increase productivity and worker retention, and decrease turnover. Connecticut and Massachusetts already guarantee five annual paid sick days for their workers.