Coalition pulls sick day issue from fall ballot; OCSEA backs decision, looks toward future

Sept. 5, 2008 - OCSEA President Eddie Parks says the union supports the recent decision made by the Service Employees International Union District 1199 to remove the paid sick days issue from the Nov. 4 ballot.

The proposed initiative would have mandated seven days’ sick leave for Ohio workers employed full-time and prorated sick days for employees working less than full-time.

On Thursday, Sept. 4, SEIU President Becky Williams announced the decision to remove what would have been Issue 4 from the ballot.

Coalition partners remain hopeful that paid sick days still will become a reality for all working families nationwide.

“We know this was a very tough decision and that there is a lot riding on this issue, but we stand beside our coalition partners,” said Parks on Friday morning. “The debate and speculation on the matter has certainly brought attention to the issue of sick leave, which is a positive first step. We are optimistic that the attention it has garnered through this process will help move the issue forward.”

Williams said it was indeed a difficult decision to make, but because of the strong support behind a federal sick leave bill, as shown by Democratic nominee Barack Obama, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, she believes this is not the end of the matter.

“We will not rest until sick days finally, and at long last, becomes a reality, not just for all Ohioans, but for Americans,” Williams said in a statement posted on the SEIU website.

See Related

OCSEA Blog: Sick Days issue to be pulled from Nov. ballot

Coalition Website of Ohioans for Health Families