The City of St. Paul seeks to remedy the large number (42%) of St. Paul employees without paid sick leave. This is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t go without a cost, especially to small business owners. It is a cost that is worth it in my opinion. Offering paid sick leave helps our city and employers put the focus back on the overall wellness of the employee rather than just the “almighty dollar.”
This is my opinion, if you want to state your opinion please apply for the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission’s (HREEO) task force. Don’t delay because the deadline is Wednesday, February 24, 2016. Paid sick leave affects minorities and small business owners the most so apply so decisions are not being made for you without you being at the table. According to the Star Tribune, people of color are the highest number employed in the jobs without paid sick leave which include personal care, food prep, hospitality, construction, cleaning and maintenance.”
Individuals interested in serving on the Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force should submit an Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force Application before February 24, 2016. The task force will be chosen by Mayor Chris Coleman and the City Council on March 2, 2016, with task force meetings beginning the week of March, 7, 2016. The task force will make recommendations to the Saint Paul Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Commission, who will in turn make recommendations to the City Council and Mayor by summer.
The HREEO Commission will also host a public conversation to facilitate discussions around earned sick and safe time that include working families and businesses on Feb. 24, 2016.
Details are below:
February 24, 2016, Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hallie Q. Brown Center
270 Kent Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55102
More information about earned sick and safe time can also be found on the city’s Earned Sick and Safe Time information page.
Let’s not just talk about it, let’s be about it! This is about having time to care for ourselves and our families when we are sick, but is also about protecting the small business owner, let’s talk about how to make this a win-win for all involved.
