What is the bill

This bill would guarantee that Maine workers at businesses with five employees or more can earn one hour of sick time to use for themselves or to take care of a family member for every 40 hours worked for their employer.

Why it matters

Mainers shouldn’t have to choose between their health or the health of a loved one and a paycheck. But in Maine, one in three workers don’t have access to any paid sick time. Allowing Mainers to earn paid sick time gives families the freedom to stay home to take care of themselves or their family when they’re sick without the fear of losing their job. It means they’re less likely to come to work sick or send a sick child to school and it would encourage Mainers to see a doctor when they need to instead of putting off care until they need to make a costly emergency room visit.

What happened

An amended version of this bill passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor. Under the amended version, employees at business with 10 or more workers are eligible to earn one hour of paid time off (not just sick time) for every 40 hours worked.