Paid Leave Around the World

The International Labour Organization has just come out with a study on paid sick leaves that finds it is “not only affordable, but pays off in terms of health and economic gains for employers, workers, and the economy at large.” Beneftis vary, but overall 145 countries provide some form of paid sick leave.

Unfortunately, paid sick leave has been miconstrued and largely misunderstood in the U.S. Much of the international community seems to understand that this is not a battle between employees and employers. Paid sick leave is common sense for workers and businesses. It is a basic protection for employees who risk losing their jobs when they go through a rough period with illness or are responsible for caring for a sick child or relative. Employers benefit from healthier workers and a reduction of costs associated with re-hiring and re-training.

Another global development in the area of paid leave took place on June 17^th, 2010, when a piece of historic legislation passed through Australia’s Parliament. The government has adopted paid parental leave for families whose primary caregiver, most often the mother, earns less than $150, 000 a year. The leave will cover 18 weeks, offering the federal minimum wage as ‘mums’ – or dads – care for a newborn. NPR notes that the United States is now “the one and only industralized nation that doesn’t afford parents of newborns any paid leave.”

When we look beyond our borders, it starts to feel like we’re a little behind when it comes to paid leave! Most Americans support paid sick days, so what gives?!