News from the GCVCC Business Legislative Advocacy Committee
Letter of Opposition:
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce respectfully opposes AB 84/SB 95, which would impose a costly new COVID-19 paid sick leave mandate on all businesses. This will devastate small employers, who are already suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data shows that about 44% of all small businesses are at risk of closing permanently due to COVID-19. Employers cannot continue to be the safety net of the state.
Specifically, AB 84/SB 95 requires employers of all sizes to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year to all employees for COVID-19 related reasons. This new requirement would apply retroactively to January 1, 2021. The reasons for taking leave are very broad. For example, an employee can take up to 80 hours of leave to get a vaccine or to care for someone who is not even in their family. The requirement would be in addition to the many leave requirements businesses are already expected to provide, including the CalOSHA Emergency Temporary Standard paid leave, paid sick leave, workers’ compensation, and family leave.
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