Patrick aide gives backing to proposal for paid sick days

Joanne Goldstein, secretary of labor and workforce development, argued that the plan would enhance workplace productivity, and rejected assertions that sick leave policies should be left up to individual businesses.

But at a State House briefing on the issue, flanked by members of the Paid Leave Coalition and supportive lawmakers, Goldstein went further.

“All those who oppose these bills,’’ Goldstein said in what she acknowledged was a presumption, “themselves enjoy sick days, probably more than the bill provides for. To me there’s some disconnect in fighting against something that you yourself enjoy and take advantage of. I would challenge all of you to find some folks who would say, ‘We think this is such a bad idea . . . we’re willing to forgo it.’ ’’

Goldstein backed identical bills offered by state Senator Patricia Jehlen, Democrat of Somerville, and state Representative Kay Khan, Democrat of Newton, that would enable the 1.5 million workers in Massachusetts who lack paid sick days to earn an hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked and up to seven paid sick days a year.

Under the proposals, employees who earn sick time would be able to use it to care for themselves, a child, spouse, or other immediate family members.

The bills, sponsored by 43 House Democrats, 13 Senate Democrats, and one Senate Republican, state Senator Robert Hedlund of Weymouth, are awaiting a hearing in the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.

Bill supporters say it would save $348 million a year by reducing employer turnover, slowing the spread of contagious illnesses in the workplace, and increasing worker productivity.

If the bill is passed, parents will be able to stay home with sick children or care for elderly parents and relatives, without forcing them to choose between health and income. Jehlen mentioned that state Senator Sal DiDomenico, Democrat of Everett, who was scheduled to speak at the briefing, was at home caring for a child with a 100-degree fever, taking advantage of the paid sick time that the Legislature offers.

Goldstein’s comments prompted some head-scratching from Bill Vernon, executive director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Massachusetts chapter, which advocates for small companies.

“I don’t know what’s she’s talking about,’’ he said. “I would say that to the extent that small businesses oppose sick leave, small business owners have less sick leave than anybody. Most of my businesses don’t run without the owner walking in. You’ve got a one-, two- , three-, four-, five-person operation.’’

Small business associations and retailers have long opposed mandatory paid sick time as an imposition on small companies that could put some out of business. Questions about sick time, they argue, should be left to companies to work out with their workers.

“I think it’s one of the worst things we can do for small businesses,’’ Vernon said. “I think it also would obviously make Massachusetts stand out. There’s a few cities that have done this, but I don’t think any other state has guaranteed sick leave.’’

Khan, the bill’s cosponsor, said she had been reaching out to businesses to win support. Vernon said he had not spoken with her this year, but said he is “always willing to talk.’’ Similarly, Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, said he had not spoken with Khan this year and said his opposition to the proposal is ongoing.

Last session, the paid sick leave bill won approval from the Legislature’s Labor and Workforce Development Committee but — despite a last-minute push — failed to gain traction in the full House or Senate and died in the Ways and Means Committee. That panel was chaired then by state Representative Charles Murphy, Democrat of Burlington. Murphy, now the assistant House majority leader, attended yesterday’s briefing.

Patrick has made little perceptible efforts to advance the proposal, although he joined Lily Ledbetter, a national advocate for paid sick days, at a rally in support of the proposal last spring.