To the editor:
We are all asked to balance our work and our family lives, but today, that is more challenging than ever before. We need to recognize the realities that today’s families face …
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To the editor:
We are all asked to balance our work and our family lives, but today, that is more challenging than ever before. We need to recognize the realities that today’s families face and embrace common sense policies that help everyone to meet their responsibilities at work and at home.
I was extremely lucky to be raised by a stay-at-home mother who dedicated her life to being a caregiver to everyone in our family. Today, many American families do not have that privilege — almost half of married households have two working parents, and that statistic doesn’t include unmarried couples or single parents.
Our loved ones still need care, and most households do not have a dedicated caregiver available to provide it. When so many of us are getting by on tight budgets, we can’t afford to take a day off, even when someone needs care.
Our legislators here in Rhode Island have introduced the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act (S290 and H5413) to help us take care of ourselves and our loved ones when it is most needed.
The bill gives workers the opportunity to earn up to seven days of paid sick time off per year. This is accrued over nine months of full-time employment, or on an hourly basis (one hour of leave for every 30 hours worked). Documentation must be provided for leave periods longer than three days and there are requirements for proper notification. This valuable time is earned through hard work and it’s an absolute necessity in the 21st century.
In my opinion, this bill represents the bare minimum of respect and understanding that an employee should earn from a healthy workplace. Rhode Islanders must speak up for families and workers across our state and demand this bill move forward in the General Assembly.
Daniela Abbott
52 Ladeira Ave.
Portsmouth