July 27, 2017
Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556, kenza@takeactionminnesota.org
NEWS RELEASE
Workers to city officials: We’re trying to level the playing field
(Duluth, MN)—On Thursday afternoon, Duluth residents rallied for paid sick time, before the city’s Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force held its final public input session. The Duluth City Council has been collecting community input for months to inform a sensible paid sick time policy. With strong grassroots support at Community Action Duluth, the rally marks a milestone in the campaign.
“We are workers, parents, and community members who care about each other’s wellbeing,” said Cherise Payton, a leader with the coalition. “We are here today because we believe in the dignity of all people. As human beings, we get sick in our lives. We need time to heal, and to take care of our loved ones. Paid sick and safe time recognizes this inevitable fact of life.”
Proponents of the measure highlight the tangible difference the policy can make for workers striving to make ends meet. According to the institute for Women’s Policy Research, nearly 50% of workers in Duluth do not have access to paid sick time. These workers are disproportionately women and people of color.
Community members and businesses are weighing in on the need and potential scope of Duluth’s ordinance. Opponents of the measure bolstered efforts to defeat it since Governor Dayton vetoed statewide preemption in May.
The City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance this fall. Paid sick time took effect in Minneapolis and St. Paul on July 1.
“Executives and those at the top have this,” said Payton. “All people deserve access to safety and stability, not just those at the top. We are trying to level the playing field.”
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, multi-racial people’s organization. We advance democracy and equity through organizing, political action, and policy campaigns.
