Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Yesterday, however, laborers were back on the front lines. Now they are fighting for the “right to be sick”. Prior to the Budget and Finance Committee meeting, Young Workers United member Dante Grant led a press conference intended to share workers’ grievances.

A strong coalition including Young Workers United, the Chinese Progressive Association, and the Center for Young Women’s Development laid out the case for paid sick days. Christine Dehlendorf, a doctor and member of the SEIU Committee of Interns and Residents, pointed out workers who are not compensated for sick days “postpone going to the doctor” indefinitely. As a result, they risk infecting their co-workers and clients.

The risk of transmission is “devastating for any small to medium-sized business,” commented Sandy Burrs, a hair stylist in San Francisco.

nfortunately, for several workers it is a simple decision. Rent has to be paid and children must be cared for. So they work.

“When I was sick and I went to work, the last thing on my mind was getting little kids sick,” explained Grant. The little kids he referred to were those who frequented his family’s restaurant in Daly City. He justified his comment stating, “If you don’t go to work, you don’t get paid, you can’t pay your bills”.

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