Paid-Sick-Leave Fight Escalates in New York City, Expands Across the Nation
http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/13560/paid-sick-leave_fight_escalates_in_new_york_city_expands_across_the_nation/
Monday Jul 23, 2012 10:18 am
By Josh Eidelson
Gloria Steinem and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (shown earlier this year at a Planned Parenthood luncheon) may not remain so chummy. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images Entertainment)
NEW YORK CITYFlanked by a hundred-some supporters at a press conference on Wednesday, labor leaders and feminist activists announced a new initiative to push a longtime goal: passage of a citywide paid-sick-leave mandate. Wednesdays event, held at noon on the steps of City Hall, marked supporters latest effort to move City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who will decide the bills fate. It comes amid increased organized labor support for similar campaigns around the countryincluding a recently announced effort in Portland.
All eyes are on Quinn because the law is already backed by a large enough majority of the council to pass and override a promised veto by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The question is whether Quinn will allow the bill to come up for a vote. As Ive reported for Working In These Times, paid sick leave poses a crucial test for Quinn, a former liberal activist now viewed as the candidate of the citys business establishment, and Bloombergs heir apparent.
Rev. Jennifer Kottler opened the rally with a prayer asking, Oh holy one
please temper [Quinns] strength with compassion and justice so that she is moved to do the right thing
Give her the courage to do what is right. Rhonda Nelson, the Chair of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Womens Network, said that Speaker Quinn has been a champion for women who work in supermarkets across this great city.
Today we ask her to continue to fight for fairness for supermarket workers and the thousands of other workers in this great city who need paid-sick-leave legislation.
In 2010, Quinn stymied a stronger paid-sick-leave bill by preventing a vote. At the time, Quinn said she supported the goal but had to help small business stay alive in a fragile economy. By winter, Quinn will have to disappoint a constituency whose support shes counting on in next years election: either liberals or the business lobby.
FULL story at link.