Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the major issues we are
facing is the balance of continuing economic activity while still protecting
people's health. This is clear as Louisiana moves away from the stay-at-home
order, with Governor John Bel Edwards loosening restrictions on restaurants,
churches, and other public spaces in effect this Friday, May 15.
However, on the eve of such reopenings, the Louisiana
legislature is considering the issue of paid sick leave and the local
government's role in setting standards to protect workers and public health. Today,
on Thursday, May 14, the Louisiana House of Representatives Municipal Committee
will hear House Bill 797, sponsored by Rep. Royce Duplessis (D) and Rep Joseph
Stagni (R), to repeal the state ban on local control of labor laws. This would
enable local governments to set their own standards for paid sick leave
policies.
The Louisiana law in question, passed in 1997 and expanded
in 2012, bans local governments from setting their own standards for pay and
employee benefits. This means that as of now, the local government cannot
require private sector employers to provide sick leave.
As stay-at-home orders have called for everyone whose work
is unessential to stay home, those who are deemed essential remain in the
workforce. With their jobs as grocery store and restaurant workers, airport
workers, energy sector employees, or delivery people, essential workers are necessary
for the functioning of society, but their livelihood is not currently protected
during this time of crisis.
Paid sick leave has been shown to reduce the spread of
respiratory infections by encouraging sick workers to remain home, rather than
working even when exhibiting symptoms. But with employers and private companies
in control of employee benefits and sick leave, many essential workers are
currently unable to stay home even if they are ill. These individuals face the
difficult dilemma of prioritizing their health and protecting those around them
or missing out on an income source that may be critical to the livelihood of
both themselves and their families.
The Unleash Local coalition, including more than 30 community,
faith, and labor organizations, has backed the bill, with the declaration that
paid sick leave allows essential workers to stay home when sick, thus making us
all safer. With the urgent coronavirus crisis persisting as an issue, local
control of paid sick leave has found much support. Already, a bipartisan group
of approximately 40 members of the Louisiana House of Representatives has
formed and expressed support for the bill, and there is expected to be a
similar level of support in the State Senate.
Other local leaders, including Baton Rouge Mayor-President
Broome, Alexandria Mayor Hall, New Orleans Mayor Cantrell, and Shreveport Mayor
Perkins, have also voiced support for the legislation. In a video posted on
Wednesday to Twitter, East Baton Rouge Metro Councilperson Chauna Banks
asserted her total support of HB 797, stating, "In order for our state to
reopen safely, workers need to be able to stay home when they are ill, and
their council needs the power to respond in the way that is in the best
interest of the communities they serve."
The original law banning local control of employee benefits
had the support of corporate lobbyist groups, who had also blocked the passage
of a state minimum wage and other worker protections in legislation. Because of
this, local lawmakers have no ability to make a change from the federal minimum
wage of $7.25, even as the cost of living has increased over the last decade.
In seeking a repeal to this bill, the Louisiana legislature would be taking on
a larger role in protecting at-risk essential workers and securing general
health and safety in this time of crisis.
