Women Employed helped pass Chicago’s paid sick days law in 2016, and its importance is more evident now than ever in the midst of a deadly flu season and now the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Now the Illinois House has the opportunity to help stop the spread of diseases like the coronavirus by passing a statewide bill called the Healthy Workplace Act (SB 471) that will guarantee paid sick days for all Illinois workers.

Schools, childcare facilities, and workplaces have closed to avoid spreading COVID-19. Illinois has no state paid sick days policy and 1.5 million workers in Illinois have no right to a single paid sick day.

As the public health crisis continues, we need paid sick days NOW to ensure that health and well-being of all Illinoisans.