Democrats Back Bills Requiring Employer-Paid Paid Sick Days

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Minority Democrats in Michigan's Legislature are backing bills to require that employers provide workers one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked.

The legislation announced Thursday would apply regardless of whether an employee is part-time or full-time.

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich of Flint says no one should be forced to choose between caring for a loved one and earning a paycheck. Backers say at least 1.5 million Michigan workers can't take a paid sick day when they're ill.

The bills are unlikely to advance in the Republican-led Legislature. Republicans wants to ban local governments from requiring businesses to provide paid sick leave.

The Michigan Restaurant Association says it opposes "one-size-fits-all mandates." The group says restaurants have "thrived without the added costs and intrusions of labor unions."
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