The Jewish tradition teaches us that we must take care of our health and that of others; it also teaches us to treat workers with justice. In Paid Sick Days, Women of Reform Judaism resolves to support legislation that requires employers to provide sick days for use when they are ill or to care for family and or household members.  It also calls on sisterhoods to work with local coalitions to campaign for paid sick days and to work with congregational leadership to assure that temple employees have paid sick days.

RECOMMENDED SISTERHOOD PROGRAMMING AND ACTION

Review and discuss the resolution and provide fact sheets at a sisterhood meeting. Download comprehensive background information on the need for paid sick leave, including fact sheets, from the National Partnership for Women & Families website.

Although the focus of this website is on workers in the United States, a portion of the policy discussion is relevant to Canadian workers, as well.

• Become informed about state and federal legislation, adopted or pending. For information about legislation in your city or state, go to paidsickdays.org and click on the map of the United States.  Work with coalitions on the issue in your state.
• Take action as urged by Women of Reform Judaism and Religious Action Center alerts.
• Speak with congregational leaders to find out about current sick leave policies in your temple.  If sick leave is available thank them for their commitment to social justice.  If not, provide them with our resolution and information about the need for paid sick leave. In addition, urge them to study the issue and the needs of temple employees, and implement a fair sick leave policy.