For those about to work, we salute you
Monday marks the celebration of America's workers. We take this Labor Day to salute the millions of Pennsylvanians, past and present, who labor to make life better. On this day we not only celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of workers, we also take time to reflect on ways to ensure better working conditions for them.
In the past two legislative sessions the House passed bills that would ensure worker and patient safety by banning mandatory overtime for nurses and other direct patient care workers. We're still waiting for the Senate to act, and you can help us call on the Senate to vote on it through our online action center.
We also are working on pro-family, pro-middle class legislation that would make sure workers are given breaks at their jobs and have the ability to care for themselves and their families in times of illness without fearing job loss.
House Bills 1756 and 1757 would guarantee employees rest and meal breaks during their work day. House Bill 1155 would allow workers to accrue up to 52 hours of paid sick leave per year, or half that amount if the business has fewer than 10 employees.
As the national economy continues to struggle, Pennsylvanians are working harder than ever to put food on the table, pay for health care and send their kids to college. House Democrats believe it is state government that should be working harder -- working harder to complete the unfinished business of the 2007-08 legislative session.
When the General Assembly reconvenes Sept. 15, House Democrats will continue our fight for a legislative agenda that seeks to ensure health-care coverage for working families, an energy conservation strategy so people can afford electricity and property tax relief that will help Pennsylvania's past and present workers stay in their homes.
