USW District 1 on Earned Sick Time Act and Workers' Rights in Michigan

Donnie Blatt, Director of District 1 of the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the implications of Michigan House Bill 4002, which aims to roll back critical worker protections. 

The Earned Sick Time Act, passed six years ago. It allows workers to accrue paid sick leave, providing essential support for those needing time off for personal or family health issues. Blatt highlighted the importance of this legislation, noting that it has been good for workers. However, Michigan House Bill 4002 threatens to dilute these protections by limiting qualifications for paid sick time and excluding part-time workers.

Blatt went on to emphasize the broader implications of the bill. He talked about the negative impacts on corporations if HB 4002 were to be passed. However, Blatt said it has been difficult trying to make the companies see the negatives. To assist him in the conversations with companies, Blatt shared an example of a Michigan company where a lack of sick leave led to widespread illness among employees, leading to a loss in their workforce and subsequently profits for the company. With proper benefits like sick leave, chances of spreading illnesses shrink and allow companies to continue operations.

Michigan House Bill 4002 seeks to redefine paid leave and exclude certain workers from benefits. Blatt argued that sick leave should not be lumped together with vacation or personal time, as it serves a distinct purpose: allowing employees to recover from illness without financial penalty. To combat HB 4002, Blatt and the USW are mobilizing rapid response teams and organizing town hall meetings. 

To learn more about the Earned Sick Time Act and what the USW is doing in response, listen to the full episode with Donnie Blatt on America's Workforce Union Podcast.