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Spokane Alliance and partners celebrate city passing sick leave policy

 

After three years of organizing, research and collaboration, the Spokane Alliance celebrated the Spokane City Council passing of an earned sick and safe leave policy in the city.

The Alliance, a group of congregations, unions, school and community groups, worked with more than 30 businesses for several years advocating for the policy. It also worked in collaboration with Fuse Washington.

The Spokane Alliance commended the council members who voted for and passed this policy, “which will improve the lives and health of tens of thousands of people in Spokane,” said Carol Krawczyk, lead organizer for the Spokane Alliance.

More than 180 people came to the Council Chamber in support of the ordinance. Of the 52 testifying about the policy, 40 were in favor.

Many shared stories that represented an array of perspectives and groups, such as military veterans, domestic abuse survivors and advocates, teachers, parents, business owners, nonprofits, and service workers, Carol said.

Health care providers also shared why this is a victory for personal and public health.

“When my patients are sick, I advise them to stay home, but so often I hear that they can’t afford to, because of a lack of paid leave. This decision means that more people—especially the most vulnerable members of our community—will be better able to take care of themselves and their loved ones without risking their economic security,” said Bill Lockwood, a Spokane physician.

Rebecca Moffitt, a single mother with two young children, told of offering the benefit as a business owner, losing the benefit as an employee and feeling guilt sending her children to school sick because she couldn’t afford to miss work.

Numerous small business owners spoke in support of a five-day sick and safe leave policy, including Brent Hendricks with Global Neighborhood, who knows it’s the right thing to do and helps his business succeed by improving employee morale and productivity, and reducing turnover.

For information, call 638-7555 or visit fusewashington.org.




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