People Are Pointing Out That The Lack Of Sick Days For US Employees Could Make The Spread Of Coronavirus Accelerate
At the very core of the American soul is the idea of being a hard worker. But it’s a double-edged sword. If you want get paid for your job, you have to show up to work regardless of how you feel. Even if some states require employers to offer paid sick leave, there’s no federal law mandating it in the US.
The low-paid workers are hit the worst, and this is especially true for the service industry. When it comes to the potential for coronavirus to spread in the US, this fact alone could be an undetected fatal error. Writer Lauren Hough shared an unsettling glimpse into getting sick as a bartender: “we called it bar flu because everyone had it and passed it back and forth.” In the context of the COVID-19 threat, one can imagine how flawed sick leave policy could make matters dramatically worse.
One has to learn from lessons like this, but is it too late to change something just now? Let’s dive into this discussion together.
Image credits: shopblocks (not the actual photo)
This woman pointed out that service workers have no option but to keep working while they’re sick
Image credits: laurenthehough
Image credits: laurenthehough
Image credits: laurenthehough
Image credits: laurenthehough
Lauren expressed her disappointment over the service industry practice of firing workers who call in sick
Image credits: laurenthehough
Image credits: laurenthehough
Image credits: laurenthehough
Image credits: laurenthehough
Another Twitter user declared that the sick leave policy has been flawed the whole time, but coronavirus has made it obvious
Image credits: AnandWrites
US health agencies have warned Americans that in order to curb the spread of COVID-19, people have to take these seemingly basic steps: wash hands, stay home from work if symptoms appear, and consult your doctor. But for these people whose work requires their presence—think about restaurants and bars, shops, and warehouses—working from home is not an option.
Sarah Evans, an employment expert, claims that “for a small company, having an unproductive member of staff sitting at home doing nothing on full pay will be a huge burden.” Vice versa, the competitive job market pushes the worker to the limit, since there’s always the risk of losing their job. And for many, this scenario sounds worse than handling food or serving customers while ill.
Image credits: AnandWrites
Image credits: AnandWrites
Anand shared an idea of a TV show that would expose what role society’s least insured play in the health of others
Image credits: AnandWrites
Image credits: AnandWrites
Image credits: AnandWrites
The high cost of health care and the lack of paid sick days suggest that there has to be a systematic change to control the coronavirus. David Blumenthal, president of the global health think tank the Commonwealth Fund, expressed his concern: “People with acute illness of all kinds postpone healthcare when they lack health insurance or have high deductibles.” He added that “there’s no reason to expect people with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection would not do the same.” A simple blood test sample can set you back $167 in Brooklyn and that is self-explanatory.
Yet another person shared his personal experience of working in the fast-food business
Image credits: NomeDaBarbarian
Image credits: NomeDaBarbarian
More people joined the heated discussion
Image credits: drerictmiller
Image credits: MGraceMens
Image credits: caseybadasey
Image credits: jennababe444
Image credits: Shereste
Image credits: Planetenherz
Image credits: TNsmartgal
Image credits: Ole_Toe
Image credits: antifashyst
Image credits: TheMerrySadist
Image credits: SanClementeJedi
This is what people had to say
Let's be honest: the USA is not a first world country. Just the fact that middleclass people need second or even third jobs to make ends meet says it all. The infrastructure (roads,bridges, internet) is as bad as any underdeveloped country. No universal health care, because it's 'socialist'. Terrible education producing ignorance about nearly everything. Gun violence. And to top it all they have a lying cry baby as president, who throws tantrumes every time somebody 'is not nice' to him. The leader of the free world? Yeah, right.
This all makes me very proud and happy to live in social-democratic Europe.
That is working class not middle class . If you need two or three jobs, you are low income . Hardly middle class
I'm lucky to live in Europe where reason and humanity has priority over greed. This is an American problem and Americans could solve it easily if they just stopped thinking that every legislation aimed at improving the standards and security of living is considered either "socialist" or " paying taxes to support freeloaders". When we tell Americans that we have a system where sick people can be sick for 2 years without getting fired, becoming homeless or having to pay the wages for their substitutes (like in California), they call us liars or tell us that we're living in a fairytale land. No, we live in a developed and civilised country, while the US is only developed.
I completely agree. I live in Spain and my husband was sick for over a year (he needed several operations and therapy). He never lost his job, was paid every month, and we didn't have to pay a single euro for his treatment. Where I'm working now, the moment you say "I don't feel good", the boss just responds with "go home, rest, and bring me a doctor's note." No questions asked. Visiting the doctor is free, of course, so getting the doctor's note to hand in to work only implies spending some time waiting to be seen. Man, I even missed a day of work because my elderly cat was about to die (we could see her slipping away very fast. I stayed home on a Friday and she passed away the following morning). I called in, told them what was happening, and all they said was to take care of her and to make up for the lost hours whenever it suited me best. Empathy, people!
Here is an example: I have a relative who for work reasons moved to the USA from a Northern European country. He has a very skilled job, no money problems, he lives in a nice neighborhood. His son, as soon as he arrived, was subjected to heavy bullying and one of the insults that the bullies shouted at him was "bloody socialist ". And the parents of those idiots, probably, in case of health problems will become homeless.
That's because humane, sensible people know that *people* are the best thing in which to invest. I hate that I have to say that....for Americans.
I don’t know about the free treatments for everyone, unless those treatments encompass every single medical condition one could have. For example, if you need very expensive treatments, for cancer, or a transplant of some kind, how quickly do you see the doctors who will be treating you, and how competent are these doctors? If treatment is still top notch, and you don’t have to outlive waiting for whatever treatment you might need, then your medical plan sounds like the thing every country should do. But, how is all of this funded? I will say that I’m OVER insurance company CEO’s and big Pharma CEO’s making millions and millions in salaries and bonus’s, while many suffer, because they can’t afford the medicines they need to survive. When ANY company puts profit over people, that’s a company I never want to do business with.
Yes, but bear this in mind: unless the company you work for signed otherwise, the first three days are not paid, and from the fourth day on you get 60% of your salary. That's what the law says in Spain. So unless they work for a pretty good company, many people will still drag their sick ass to work because they really can't afford to lose three-day wage. Coronavirus has just landed here but it'll spread quickly due to this stupid regulation. The health system is really good, though, so it makes up for the shitty work conditions.
I wish it were as simple as "Americans could solve it easily if they stopped thinking...." Unfortunately, in America, citizens have zero control over policies and political donations for special interest companies who pretty much buy our elections. And since our political system is run by two parties (Republican and Democrat) who railroad any independents by forcing them to pay out of their own pockets to even get some screen time or debate time, this is unlikely to change soon. If we could actually do something about it, believe me, we would.
Well how about starting by NOT voting for a known conman that had 6 businesses go bust and proudly stated during the elections that he was smart for not paying taxes. And next you could try voting people in congress that aren't greedy old people.
Well, that should tell you what needs to change first. You know, France was a kingdom until people decided that's not what they wanted.
I think its not just USA more like all over the world exect Europe ( or some other countries that I don't know of)
@RickHarmon: you never got out of the US of A, have you? And to be allowed to be ick or having paid maternity leave or getting treated for a serious illness without being billed a fortune has nothing to do with socialism. You like the orange man, do you?
The USA needs a third party. One that takes the best of each (old) party, and melds, blends, updates, throws out the old, etc., etc., until we have a system that is good for everyone, and not just special groups of people, rich, poor, or whatever skin color, or nationality one happens to be. Career politicians have ruined this country, so we need to overhaul everything from the ground up. Biggest problems always seem to start with how much money one has to convince the powers that be, to do things the way the people with money want them done. Until or unless we get people in office that care more about PEOPLE than how much money they’ll make, NOTHING will ever change, no matter how many times we go to the polls and vote. It’s a terrible, terrible system!
Wow... that’s a great policy (two years, really)? How do the companies that offer this much time off make a profit? Is the time off paid? If not, and the company is still holding an employees job for them, then that’s a compassionate employer. You should share who this employer is! 😉😉 I guess my biggest pet peeve with most companies sick leave policy is, that while no one wants you at work infecting others, too many bosses seem to reward those who can push themselves, even when it would be in the best interest of everyone else in the office (including the ill employee) to stay home! However, most companies won’t promote or advance those who call out sick, and too many peers won’t take these people seriously either. I’ve seen it happen over and over. There are great, dedicated employees, who weren’t blessed with steadfast health, so they get left behind when it’s promotion time. I don’t think anyone who is truly ill, should ever lose their jobs, because they called out sick. Hopefully something good can come of this terrible virus. Perhaps sick leave policies will improve!
Going sick long term (expecting recovery) is rare and tax rebates come to play so the company's profits won't take much of a hit, it's also illegal to dismiss someone because of documented sickness, and you'll get a doctor's/hospital note because it's all free. I went to a doctor to ask for a prescription to deal with stress at work, after 10 min she gave me a note to get two weeks off! My boss wasn't happy but had to comply, I was paid 65% of my normal wages during the period. Of course the smaller the company it'd have an effect on productivity but I think studies have shown that recruitment and training of a new employee is more costly that to pay for sick days
Not sure about Spain, but in my European country, Government substitutes payroll while a person is sick or on maternity/paternity leave. Also, one parent gets 1 month of paid childcare, another up to 2 years (1st year 80% paid, 2nd year 50% paid).
While a person is sick the government pays for his/her salary, not the company.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Europe is where greed started...there just to weak to act greedy now
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
America is the greatest country in the world and you losers from Europe should be bowing down and kissing our feet for saving your ass in 2 world wars and propping up your economies for nearly a century. Socialism is the death of the world. You have no clue what is causing our homeless problems, drugs and mental disorders NOT job loss or lack of pay and sick leave. Keep your uninformed opinion to yourself.
The government in the UK has promised people that taking two weeks to self-isolate, if there is a possibility the person could have corona-virus, they will be paid sick-pay. No excuses for going anywhere and risking other people's health.
Yeah my place has recently issued a company wide notice stating anyone with corona or suspected or in isolation whatever will be on full pay for the duration, proof will be required from Doctor of course.
Great policy. Many people in the U. S. think that it can't reach our shores.
That doesn't help those who are cleaners in private homes who are somehow outside the system - if they don't work they don't get paid unless they have an insanely amazing employer.
May be eligible for Universal Credit which covers Employment And Support Allowance as long as they aren't being paid cash in hand. May take 5 weeks to get it but as we are only at the start of this there may be other options offered to help self employed people.
Let's be honest: the USA is not a first world country. Just the fact that middleclass people need second or even third jobs to make ends meet says it all. The infrastructure (roads,bridges, internet) is as bad as any underdeveloped country. No universal health care, because it's 'socialist'. Terrible education producing ignorance about nearly everything. Gun violence. And to top it all they have a lying cry baby as president, who throws tantrumes every time somebody 'is not nice' to him. The leader of the free world? Yeah, right.
This all makes me very proud and happy to live in social-democratic Europe.
That is working class not middle class . If you need two or three jobs, you are low income . Hardly middle class
I'm lucky to live in Europe where reason and humanity has priority over greed. This is an American problem and Americans could solve it easily if they just stopped thinking that every legislation aimed at improving the standards and security of living is considered either "socialist" or " paying taxes to support freeloaders". When we tell Americans that we have a system where sick people can be sick for 2 years without getting fired, becoming homeless or having to pay the wages for their substitutes (like in California), they call us liars or tell us that we're living in a fairytale land. No, we live in a developed and civilised country, while the US is only developed.
I completely agree. I live in Spain and my husband was sick for over a year (he needed several operations and therapy). He never lost his job, was paid every month, and we didn't have to pay a single euro for his treatment. Where I'm working now, the moment you say "I don't feel good", the boss just responds with "go home, rest, and bring me a doctor's note." No questions asked. Visiting the doctor is free, of course, so getting the doctor's note to hand in to work only implies spending some time waiting to be seen. Man, I even missed a day of work because my elderly cat was about to die (we could see her slipping away very fast. I stayed home on a Friday and she passed away the following morning). I called in, told them what was happening, and all they said was to take care of her and to make up for the lost hours whenever it suited me best. Empathy, people!
Here is an example: I have a relative who for work reasons moved to the USA from a Northern European country. He has a very skilled job, no money problems, he lives in a nice neighborhood. His son, as soon as he arrived, was subjected to heavy bullying and one of the insults that the bullies shouted at him was "bloody socialist ". And the parents of those idiots, probably, in case of health problems will become homeless.
That's because humane, sensible people know that *people* are the best thing in which to invest. I hate that I have to say that....for Americans.
I don’t know about the free treatments for everyone, unless those treatments encompass every single medical condition one could have. For example, if you need very expensive treatments, for cancer, or a transplant of some kind, how quickly do you see the doctors who will be treating you, and how competent are these doctors? If treatment is still top notch, and you don’t have to outlive waiting for whatever treatment you might need, then your medical plan sounds like the thing every country should do. But, how is all of this funded? I will say that I’m OVER insurance company CEO’s and big Pharma CEO’s making millions and millions in salaries and bonus’s, while many suffer, because they can’t afford the medicines they need to survive. When ANY company puts profit over people, that’s a company I never want to do business with.
Yes, but bear this in mind: unless the company you work for signed otherwise, the first three days are not paid, and from the fourth day on you get 60% of your salary. That's what the law says in Spain. So unless they work for a pretty good company, many people will still drag their sick ass to work because they really can't afford to lose three-day wage. Coronavirus has just landed here but it'll spread quickly due to this stupid regulation. The health system is really good, though, so it makes up for the shitty work conditions.
I wish it were as simple as "Americans could solve it easily if they stopped thinking...." Unfortunately, in America, citizens have zero control over policies and political donations for special interest companies who pretty much buy our elections. And since our political system is run by two parties (Republican and Democrat) who railroad any independents by forcing them to pay out of their own pockets to even get some screen time or debate time, this is unlikely to change soon. If we could actually do something about it, believe me, we would.
Well how about starting by NOT voting for a known conman that had 6 businesses go bust and proudly stated during the elections that he was smart for not paying taxes. And next you could try voting people in congress that aren't greedy old people.
Well, that should tell you what needs to change first. You know, France was a kingdom until people decided that's not what they wanted.
I think its not just USA more like all over the world exect Europe ( or some other countries that I don't know of)
@RickHarmon: you never got out of the US of A, have you? And to be allowed to be ick or having paid maternity leave or getting treated for a serious illness without being billed a fortune has nothing to do with socialism. You like the orange man, do you?
The USA needs a third party. One that takes the best of each (old) party, and melds, blends, updates, throws out the old, etc., etc., until we have a system that is good for everyone, and not just special groups of people, rich, poor, or whatever skin color, or nationality one happens to be. Career politicians have ruined this country, so we need to overhaul everything from the ground up. Biggest problems always seem to start with how much money one has to convince the powers that be, to do things the way the people with money want them done. Until or unless we get people in office that care more about PEOPLE than how much money they’ll make, NOTHING will ever change, no matter how many times we go to the polls and vote. It’s a terrible, terrible system!
Wow... that’s a great policy (two years, really)? How do the companies that offer this much time off make a profit? Is the time off paid? If not, and the company is still holding an employees job for them, then that’s a compassionate employer. You should share who this employer is! 😉😉 I guess my biggest pet peeve with most companies sick leave policy is, that while no one wants you at work infecting others, too many bosses seem to reward those who can push themselves, even when it would be in the best interest of everyone else in the office (including the ill employee) to stay home! However, most companies won’t promote or advance those who call out sick, and too many peers won’t take these people seriously either. I’ve seen it happen over and over. There are great, dedicated employees, who weren’t blessed with steadfast health, so they get left behind when it’s promotion time. I don’t think anyone who is truly ill, should ever lose their jobs, because they called out sick. Hopefully something good can come of this terrible virus. Perhaps sick leave policies will improve!
Going sick long term (expecting recovery) is rare and tax rebates come to play so the company's profits won't take much of a hit, it's also illegal to dismiss someone because of documented sickness, and you'll get a doctor's/hospital note because it's all free. I went to a doctor to ask for a prescription to deal with stress at work, after 10 min she gave me a note to get two weeks off! My boss wasn't happy but had to comply, I was paid 65% of my normal wages during the period. Of course the smaller the company it'd have an effect on productivity but I think studies have shown that recruitment and training of a new employee is more costly that to pay for sick days
Not sure about Spain, but in my European country, Government substitutes payroll while a person is sick or on maternity/paternity leave. Also, one parent gets 1 month of paid childcare, another up to 2 years (1st year 80% paid, 2nd year 50% paid).
While a person is sick the government pays for his/her salary, not the company.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Europe is where greed started...there just to weak to act greedy now
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
America is the greatest country in the world and you losers from Europe should be bowing down and kissing our feet for saving your ass in 2 world wars and propping up your economies for nearly a century. Socialism is the death of the world. You have no clue what is causing our homeless problems, drugs and mental disorders NOT job loss or lack of pay and sick leave. Keep your uninformed opinion to yourself.
The government in the UK has promised people that taking two weeks to self-isolate, if there is a possibility the person could have corona-virus, they will be paid sick-pay. No excuses for going anywhere and risking other people's health.
Yeah my place has recently issued a company wide notice stating anyone with corona or suspected or in isolation whatever will be on full pay for the duration, proof will be required from Doctor of course.
Great policy. Many people in the U. S. think that it can't reach our shores.
That doesn't help those who are cleaners in private homes who are somehow outside the system - if they don't work they don't get paid unless they have an insanely amazing employer.
May be eligible for Universal Credit which covers Employment And Support Allowance as long as they aren't being paid cash in hand. May take 5 weeks to get it but as we are only at the start of this there may be other options offered to help self employed people.