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WHEREAS, nearly every worker in the state of Pennsylvania will at some time during the year need a paid day off from work to take care of their own health needs or the health needs of members of their families; and
WHEREAS, there are many workers in Pennsylvania who are not entitled to any paid sick days to care for their own health needs or those of members of their families; and
WHEREAS, low-income workers are significantly less likely to have paid sick days than other members of the workforce; and
WHEREAS, providing workers time off to attend to their own health care and health care of family members will ensure a healthier and more productive workforce statewide; and
WHEREAS, paid sick days will allow parents to provide personal care for their sick children, which speeds recovery and prevents more serious illnesses, while improving children's overall mental and physical health; and
WHEREAS, providing minimal paid sick days is affordable for employers, and studies have shown that costs from on-the-job productivity losses resulting from sick workers on the job exceed the cost of absenteeism among employees; and
WHEREAS, employers who provide paid sick days have greater employee retention and avoid the problem of workers coming to work in poor health, which prevents the likelihood of spreading illness to other members of the workforce.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh supports the "Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act," BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh encourages the Pennsylvania State Legislature to approve the passage of this legislation in full.