Duluth Workers Win Earned Sick and Safe Time

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556

May 29, 2018

NEWS RELEASE

Duluth—For months, workers in Duluth have been organizing to raise local employment standards. Tonight, Duluth workers won Earned Sick and Safe Time. The Duluth City Council passed a policy that allows workers to earn paid time to care for themselves or a loved one by a 7-1 vote.

“Duluth’s strength is that we come together to find solutions. We care about each other,” said Em Westerlund, a City Councilor from the Third District. “This ordinance helps level the playing field for working people from every background. We listened to the community, and I’m proud of the difference this will make for Duluth families.”

The new ordinance takes effect January 1, 2020 and allows workers to earn up to 40 hours per year of paid sick time. 

“Every worker, regardless of who they are or how much they make deserves the time to care of themselves or a loved one. This ordinance reflects who are as Minnesotans,” said Candy Winkler, executive director of PAVSA. “Our City Council heard our voices and came up with a solution that improves people’s lives. This is an accomplishment.”

“We have been waiting for this for a long time,” said Todd Gustafson with UFCW 1189. “We’re happy to see the council pass an ordinance that will have tremendous impact for so many in our community.”

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