Health and Dignity Day of Action

02/17/14 • 10 min

On Thursday, January 30th, over one hundred people gathered at the statehouse in Montpelier to support passing PSD legislation this year. With this proposed legislation, all workers would get one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked; up to seven sick days per year, which would allow them to take time off without having to lose wages. Many people testified before the House General Committee to share how they’ve struggled without paid sick days and to show legislators why paid sick days for all workers are essential to the health and dignity of all people in Vermont. Others testified in solidarity with the thousands of Vermonters who struggle each day to meet their fundamental needs and who cannot afford to miss a day of work without pay when they or a loved one get sick. Many people shared how they struggle to make ends meet working in part-time, full-time, and temporary jobs, and how paid sick days must be available to all workers. Many business owners also shared why they support PSDs and why PSDs will not only benefit workers but businesses as well. Jennifer Kimmick, co owner of the Alchemist Pub & Brewery, shared how providing her employees with paid sick time helped her employees and her business. Paid sick days are a major step toward ensuring that the people of Vermont are treated with dignity at work.Without this legislation, many business owners will continue to prioritize their bottom line over the health needs of their employees. The people of Vermont can’t afford to wait any longer. We must contact our representatives now and let them know we are in support of paid sick days for all workers in Vermont.

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Migrant Justice - "Together for Dignity" Day of Action

On Friday January 17th, many people gathered at the DMV in Burlington and Montpelier to stand in solidarity with their immigrant neighbors in getting a driver’s privilege card. Last year, as a result of grassroots organizing across the state, migrant farm workers and allies came together and won the right to drivers licenses for all, regardless of immigration status. In order to make sure the driver’s privilege cards are not an indication of immigration status, allies came together to trade in their licenses for a driver’s privilege card. Before winning the right to driver’s licenses, thousands of migrant workers in VT were denied their fundamental right to movement. They were often isolated on farms and had to rely on others to access fundamental needs such as food and health care. Standing together in solidarity on MLK weekend, we are reminded that when our communities come together to fight collectively for our rights, anything can be achieved. The driver’s licenses not only give everyone the right to movement, but represent freedom and dignity for all people.

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International Women's Day March PSA

Women hold the majority of low wage, part-time, and temporary jobs, and make up nearly half of the nation’s workforce, yet about half of women continue to be denied crucial rights at work, including essential paid sick days. When women are denied these rights, our communities suffer. The proposed Earned Sick Days Bill would ensure that all workers in VT are able to take time off when they or a loved one are sick. To support paid sick days is to support women’s rights, work with dignity, and gender equity. March 8th, International Women’s Day, is a celebration of women organizing for social change and demonstrating their essential roles in society. Join us on this day at noon at Christ Episcopal Church in Montpelier to march on Montpelier for paid sick days for all workers. Following the march, there will be a speakout featuring women leaders in VT’s labor movement and in the community. Join us on this day to celebrate women’s rights and to ensure that paid sick days be available for all workers in Vermont.