Stupid government proposal dropped, poor economy blamed
(updated) Ohio’s sick-day campaign was halted by Governor Strickland due to the uncertain nature of the current business environment:
The state proposal would have required companies with at least 25 employees to give those working more than 34 hours a week seven sick days a year, with unused sick time carrying over to the next year. Advocates said 2.2 million Ohio workers, including an estimated 300,000 in Southwest Ohio, don’t have any paid sick leave.
The National Federation of Independent Business in Ohio released a study in August that said a sick-day mandate would cost the state 75,000 jobs in the next five years.
Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, who serves as state development director, said opposing the Ohio initiative while supporting the federal bill is not contradictory.
A federal law would put all states on a level playing field, and going through Congress would provide more opportunity for debate, he said.
The federal bill, introduced by Kennedy in March 2007, is even more stringent than the Ohio bill.
The Kennedy bill would require seven paid sick days to companies employing as few as 15 workers.
Brown argues that a federal sick-day mandate would improve the country’s global competitiveness. He said the U.S. is the only major industrialized nation that does not require employers to offer paid sick leave.
While applauding withdrawal of the state proposal, Linda Woggen, vice president of government affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said her group would oppose the federal legislation.
“It’s not that we’re opposed to sick leave,” she said. “We’re opposed to any government mandate, whether it’s state or federal.”
Maybe it was halted because it is a stupid idea.
When–ever–would there be a suitable time for such a mandate? When the economy is roaring and unemployment is underneath 5.4%? Seems to me it’s a stupid idea regardless of the economy.
Senator Brown thinks that such a mandate would increase global competitiveness. Uh, only if you’re job shopping between two different countries! Absurd.
Weak-bellied punt by Strickland. He gets to avoid a confrontation with Ohio’s small business owners and continue selling the idea down the road.
Strickland’s chance for makeup points: If he really wants to win Ohioans over he should let the casinos come in and have them fund a health care system supporting uninsured Ohioans. Or give Ohioans an tax break matching their medical outlays.
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Better yet, let’s lower the Federal requirement even further. Instead of small businesses with more than 15 employees, lets make it apply to any company with more than twoemployees. That will make American jobs even more competitive!
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Chris, you still against women in the workplace?
I couldn’t agree more! Why should someone who works FT be afforded paid sick days? What will people want next: paid vacations, health benefits, FMLA, minimum wages and safe working environments? Wake up ‘merica!!!