We need a federal Bill of Workers' Rights.
While I feel like I have written on this topic before, I couldn't find an entry on it. Besides, the idea is worth repeating. There are many rights which all people should have available to them, no matter the job. Of those, there are a few that are on my mind at the moment.
The right to sick leave. People with the flu should not be forced to spread the contagion to the general public for fear of being fired. Those undergoing a catastrophic illness should not also have to worry about losing their job. I'm not talking about taking off whenever one wants, but at a minimum people should be able to keep their jobs when they are too sick to come in. In truth, I believe that those missed days, to a reasonable amount, should be paid as well.
The right to paternal leave. Much like sick days, people should be able to take off days due to difficult pregnancies, the birth of a child, and a period of adjustment to having a new life in their homes without fear of losing their income. The United States is one of only four countries in the world not not guarantee paid maternity leave. Even Iran has that law in place. Many countries have been guaranteeing paid paternity and adoption leave as well. The U.S. should be leading this ideal, not rejecting it.
The right to a living wage. This has received a great deal of press as of late. I do not see the issue. If the U.S. guarantees a 40-hour work week, then a person working those 40 hours should make more than the poverty level. Obviously, this should adjust with inflation. How anyone can agree that a person's most important and irreplaceable resource (time) is worth less than a living wage is beyond my understanding.
The right to a comfortable working environment. Obviously, there are jobs that are hazardous by their very nature, but every attempt should be made to make any job as safe and comfortable as is reasonable for the situation. Less comfortable and safe jobs should not only compensate better, but should also automatically provide for the workers and their families should harm befall them.
There are more, but these four should be enough to think on for now. Were I to run for office, the Workers' Bill of Rights would be a major part of my platform. This is an area in which government should be involved for the safety, health, and well-being of its citizens.
While I feel like I have written on this topic before, I couldn't find an entry on it. Besides, the idea is worth repeating. There are many rights which all people should have available to them, no matter the job. Of those, there are a few that are on my mind at the moment.
The right to sick leave. People with the flu should not be forced to spread the contagion to the general public for fear of being fired. Those undergoing a catastrophic illness should not also have to worry about losing their job. I'm not talking about taking off whenever one wants, but at a minimum people should be able to keep their jobs when they are too sick to come in. In truth, I believe that those missed days, to a reasonable amount, should be paid as well.
The right to paternal leave. Much like sick days, people should be able to take off days due to difficult pregnancies, the birth of a child, and a period of adjustment to having a new life in their homes without fear of losing their income. The United States is one of only four countries in the world not not guarantee paid maternity leave. Even Iran has that law in place. Many countries have been guaranteeing paid paternity and adoption leave as well. The U.S. should be leading this ideal, not rejecting it.
The right to a living wage. This has received a great deal of press as of late. I do not see the issue. If the U.S. guarantees a 40-hour work week, then a person working those 40 hours should make more than the poverty level. Obviously, this should adjust with inflation. How anyone can agree that a person's most important and irreplaceable resource (time) is worth less than a living wage is beyond my understanding.
The right to a comfortable working environment. Obviously, there are jobs that are hazardous by their very nature, but every attempt should be made to make any job as safe and comfortable as is reasonable for the situation. Less comfortable and safe jobs should not only compensate better, but should also automatically provide for the workers and their families should harm befall them.
There are more, but these four should be enough to think on for now. Were I to run for office, the Workers' Bill of Rights would be a major part of my platform. This is an area in which government should be involved for the safety, health, and well-being of its citizens.
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