Vermont group proposes mandatory paid sick days

A coalition of Vermont organizations wants the state to guarantee paid sick time for employees of businesses in the state. The Vermont Paid Sick Days Coalition is proposing a measure that gives employees working for a business for a year one hour of sick time for every 30 hours, with a maximum of 56 hours. The measure would apply only to businesses with 10 or more employees. The group said the issue is especially important now because of the CDC's recommendation to stay home from school or work if you're showing any signs of flu. There are more than 106,000 Vermonters who don't get paid if they stay home from work because of their own illness or a child's. A study by UVM medical students said lack of coverage plays a direct role in the health of the population.