No parent ever wants to wake up to find their child is sick. But for Erica Hollahan, and for thousands of working parents without paid sick days in Connecticut, a sick child presents a whole new set of problems.
For those parents, any day you need to stay home to care for your child means lost pay — and it could even mean losing your job. No one can afford to risk that in this economy.
Especially in these difficult times, no one should have to choose between their income and their family’s health. Sign our petition for paid sick days.
Erica, a working mom without paid sick days, and her daughter.
The problem is shockingly common. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, half of working moms miss work when a child gets sick. Of these, half lose pay when they miss work.
This problem impacts their children’s health too. When parents aren’t able to miss work for regular doctor’s visit for their children, the kids don’t get necessary and timely medical care.
Every child gets sick once in a while. But in this tough economy, a single sniffly child can ruin a family’s financial security. Now more than ever, it’s time to stop putting working parents in that impossible situation.
Are you a working parent without paid sick days? You can share your story in the comments section below.