A study conducted by NORC on behalf of the Public Welfare Foundation found that 77 percent of American workers support paid sick days and that one in six say they or a family member have been fired, suspended, punished, or threatened by an employer due to illness.

The study's director, Tom W. Smith, noted that "Across all socio-demographic groups, majorities endorse paid sick days as a fundamental workplace necessity that employers should be required to provide.  The lack of paid sick days is a concern to those lacking coverage and is associated with dissatisfaction with one's job."

In a nice coincidence of timing, the survey results, which showed that Americans say they are more willing to vote for a candidate who suports paid sick time, were released just hours after US Presidential candidate Barack Obama stated his support for paid sick time in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The survey also found that workers without paid sick leave are much more likely to report to work with a contagious illness than those with paid sick leave and that more than 40 percent of private sector workers and 75 percent of low-wage workers lack paid sick days.

The release of the study findings received news coverage by Associated Press, as reported in the Houston Chronicle (September 12) and the Alameda Times Star (CA).  The story also was reported by Employee Benefit News, Physorg.com, and Imperial Valley News (CA).

View the full report  (169K) and read the Public Welfare Foundation's press release.