Protect Worker Safety and Oppose the Repeal of COVID Leave

PROTECT WORKER SAFETY AND OPPOSE THE REPEAL OF COVID LEAVE
Part M of S8306/A8806
Education, Labor and Family Assistance
Executive Budget Bill

The New York State AFL-CIO, representing 2.5 million union members, retirees, and their families oppose the above-referenced part of the executive budget proposal.

This bill would repeal Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2020 which established paid sick days for employees that are subject to an order of quarantine or isolation after exposure to COVID. This leave was enacted to help prevent the spread of COVID in the general public, protect worker health and safety, and help workers make ends meet while adhering to required COVID safety protocols.

While our understanding of COVID and its effects have evolved it remains a dangerous and deadly disease that is highly communicable and unpredictable. Hospitals and other health care providers have recently reinstated strict visitation guidelines to minimize the spread and given the cyclical spikes in cases, including the current spike across the state, COVID remains a serious health hazard.

Chapter 25 of 2020 remains a vital protection for the general public in addition to its role in protecting worker safety. The law ensures that workers take proper care of their own health care and prevents the spread of COVID to coworkers or members of the public. This is particularly important for health care workers, transportation, public safety, retail and grocery, and other industries that require direct interaction with the public.

Every protection related to COVID should remain in place and repeal of the COVID paid sick leave would be irresponsible at this time. We strongly urge the legislature to reject this proposal.

Therefore, this Federation urges this part of the executive budget proposal to be defeated.

For further information, contact the Legislative Department at 518-436-8516.