Only 12 percent of workers in businesses that are likely to stay open will be affected
The Families First Coronavirus Emergency Response Act passed the Senate on March 18, and was signed into law by President Trump. The “phase 2” bill was one of the first moves by Congress in reaction to the coronavirusoutbreak and aimed to extend sick leave to vulnerable U.S. workers, along with other financial benefits.
Nearly a quarter of U.S. workers don’t have access to paid sick leave, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For many of these workers, like waiters and waitresses, the federally mandated leave comes too late, as layoffs from social distancing measures have spiked.
But many parts of the retail industry — such as grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations — will likely remain open, declared “essential” by such cities as Philadelphia that have instituted shelter-in-place policies. Workers at these businesses will come into contact with the most people, and if they don’t already have paid sick leave, the new law is unlikely to help. Continue reading. This is a free article.