Think of workers in sick-time debate

Regarding the story, "Cook County sick leave bill sparks suburban controversy": It is unfortunate that this article views the proposed law on earned sick time almost entirely through the lens of burdens on employers without presenting the important case for ensuring that all workers have the right to stay home and care for themselves when they are sick without losing wages or fearing being fired.

Most of us understand the importance of being able to stay home when we are sick. We recuperate faster. We return to work healthier and more able to work effectively and safely. Perhaps most important, we don't take contagious illnesses to the workplace, where we are likely to infect our co-workers and our customers.

This is not just about giving a benefit to workers, though that alone would merit our support. This is also about public health. A recent report of the American Public Health Association reported on a national survey of restaurant workers in which it was found that 88 percent of employees had no paid sick leave and 63 percent admitted that they cooked and served food while sick.

Over 400,000 workers in Cook County do not have paid sick time. The Daily Herald article asserts that most employers want to take care of their employees. A good thing, but should the good employers be put at a competitive disadvantage by voluntarily offering earned sick time while others do not? A County requirement would create a level playing field for all employers.

Among all the developed nations, the United States, along with Japan and Canada, is all but alone in leaving earned sick time to the whim of employers. Cook County has an opportunity to lead a movement toward correcting this injustice. I would hope that all the commissioners support this bill for everyone's sake.

Fr. Bill Zavaski

Arlington Heights