The U.S. is among few countries that do not guarantee paid sick leave. But more states are onboard, and it may be on the ballot in others.
The U.S. is the only wealthy country in the world that doesn’t guarantee workers a single day of paid leave.
Only two states with significant rural populations have laws that require employers to offer sick days.
Those who become sick with the disease won’t find the same kind of employment help that was offered for COVID.
A growing number of patients continue to have symptoms months after the onset of COVID-19, even after tests no longer detect it.
Low-wage workers are least likely to get paid time off and often have less predictable, flexible schedules.
Federal funds would help businesses who already offer paid leave — and be an incentive for those who don’t.
But the U.S. is way behind most developed countries in mandating paid sick leave.
There is no federal mandate for paid sick time, though some states require it.
About a third of workers in the U.S. don’t have sick days, and many that do don’t use them.
