More Mandates For Struggling Employers?

Why can’t government figure out why struggling American small business owners, uncertain about how the rules will be changed next, are reluctant to hire new employees, asks the Las Vegas Review-Journal in a recent editorial.

The Healthy Families Act, sponsored by Sen. Dodd and Rep. DeLauro, from Connecticut, would require companies that have 15 or more employees to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked or up to seven sick days a year for a full-time worker.

“With the labor market still recovering, policymakers should focus on promoting job growth instead of enacting mandates that drive up operating costs and create barriers for entry-level employment,” said Michael Saltsman of the Employment Policies Institute.

We agree with the editorial, it’s nice if employers show reasonable consideration for employees who are legitimately sick, or who stay home to care for sick family members. Smart employers generally do so, rather than risk losing good employees. Employees can put themselves in a better position to expect such treatment if they gain the skills and experience necessary to increase their workplace value.

We welcome your comments and opinions and will feature responses in future issues of this newsletter.