Many workers with families often worry about becoming sick or their children becoming sick. Having to take unpaid leave can run the risk of putting a family in a financial struggle due to lost wages. The idea of employers being required to allow employees sick days with pay has been taken up in many states. However, some employers see paid sick days as too costly for their companies, and some locations which adopted the policy, including a Wisconsin city, have reversed the decision.
While there are standards in place for those covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the law ensures a covered employee will not be terminated due to extended leave, not that they are entitled to paid leave. The days permitted for absence under the Act are for unpaid leave, which employers see as being better for company expenses. A measure was passed in Milwaukee that allowed nine paid sick days, but that ruling was later reversed. Employers are not required to provide paid sick days, and lack of requirement could be detrimental to some employees.
