RICHMOND, Va. — A new bill ensuring paid sick leave for all employees in Virginia is now set to be reviewed by Governor Glenn Youngkin after passing through the legislature. The proposed legislation, written by Delegate Jeion Ward (D-Hampton), would require employers across the state to provide paid sick days to their workers for various reasons, including personal illness, preventive medical care, and caring for a sick child.
Delegate Ward, who authored the bill, explained the necessity of paid sick leave by highlighting the economic impact of missing work due to illness. “One day of work that you miss could mean one week of groceries your family may not have,” Ward said, emphasizing the financial strain many workers face when they are forced to take time off without compensation.
The bill stipulates that employees would accrue sick leave at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, with a cap of 40 hours of paid leave per year. This provision is aimed at providing workers with enough time to manage health needs without the financial burden of unpaid leave.
However, the bill has faced significant opposition from business advocates, particularly the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Critics argue that the legislation would increase the cost of doing business for employers in all industries, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and fewer jobs for Virginians. Kristin Burhop, a representative of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, voiced concerns at a recent committee meeting, stating, “This legislation would increase the cost of doing business in the commonwealth for all employers in all industries. This disadvantages all Virginians and will lead to higher costs for businesses and consumers alike.”
Despite this opposition, Delegate Ward remains steadfast in her belief that paid sick leave would ultimately benefit businesses. She argues that having sick employees work could hurt business performance, particularly in sectors like hospitality and food service. “I don’t believe any business owner really wants a sick employee. That’s going to have an impact on that business’s bottom line if you have a sick person in there working, especially in restaurants,” Ward said.
Governor Glenn Youngkin now has until March 24 to make a decision on whether to sign the bill into law. If passed, Virginia would join a growing number of states implementing paid sick leave policies to better protect workers’ health and financial well-being.
As the bill inches closer to a potential law, Virginians and business owners alike are watching closely to see how the governor will respond to the debate over paid sick leave.
