Revolutionizing Workers' Rights Across America

Groundbreaking new data reveals critical insights into earned sick leave laws spanning two years across the 75 largest cities in the United States. As of July 1, 2022, through June 1, 2024, these findings, hosted on LawAtlas.org, highlight evolving local policies aimed at improving worker health and welfare.

A Collaborative Effort to Enhance Public Health

This significant initiative is a result of collaboration between CityHealth, the de Beaumont Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, and the Center for Public Health Law Research at Temple University's Beasley School of Law. Since 2016, CityHealth has tirelessly gathered and evaluated policies to craft evidence-based strategies that boost community health.

The Power of Longitudinal Data

Dr. Elizabeth Platt, a key figure in this effort, emphasizes that this extensive data set not only aids cities in formulating effective health policies but also delivers invaluable longitudinal insights that researchers, advocates, and policymakers can leverage.

Why Earned Sick Leave Matters

Katrina Forrest, executive director of CityHealth, articulates the essence of earned sick leave: it's not just a policy—it's a matter of fairness. Every worker deserves the right to recover from illness without the fear of losing income, especially for low-income individuals and people of color who often lack this crucial support.

Trends in Earned Sick Leave Laws

Recent analysis shows that as of June 1, 2024, 36 cities have adopted earned sick leave laws. However, a troubling trend emerges as 37 cities face restrictions from state preemption, an increase from 33 cities two years prior, showcasing a growing effort by state governments to restrict local initiatives.

Key Features of Sick Leave Laws

The comprehensive data not only indicate the presence of earned sick leave laws but also highlight their specific provisions. These include the ability for employees to take leave for family care, varying family definitions, and essential protections for those needing time off due to domestic violence. Moreover, the data outlines the minimum amount of sick leave employees can earn and the smallest business sizes that these laws cover.

Charting the Future of Worker Health

As cities navigate the complexities of implementing earned sick leave, these insights serve as a crucial roadmap. The path towards healthier communities is illuminated by data, revealing where progress is being made and where more advocacy is desperately needed.