One More Hurdle for D.C.'s Sick-Leave Bill
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D.C. Council members have rightly pushed back against corporate pressure to kill a sick-leave bill sorely needed by hundreds of thousands of area workers ["Council Advances Sick-Leave Bill in D.C.," Metro, Feb 6].
The bill, which provides some 200,000 low-wage workers with up to five days off, would also be the country's first to provide paid leave for victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse.
While Post readers may be left thinking approval is a foregone conclusion, back-door lobbying efforts could still kill the bill, set for a March 4 vote. Building owners making millions off the nation's second most profitable real estate market claim that they can't afford pennies a day to allow struggling workers any paid leave.
Council members deserve credit for pushing back on corporate lobbyists, but, even more important, they need to hear from constituents and others that this measure is desperately needed by area workers.
JAIME CONTRERAS
Local 32BJ Capital Area Director
Service Employees International Union
Washington
