Fair wages and benefits make our communities, economy, and state stronger. But 1-in-4 Alaska workers don’t have a single paid sick day1 and can face an impossible choice between their paycheck and their family’s health. Sending a sick child to school risks making them sicker and infecting others. Going to work sick risks spreading illness to coworkers, customers, and beyond. But missing a paycheck can mean having to choose between food or rent. Working families drive the economy. When they can afford to buy basics or get sick, Alaska is stronger. Vote yes.
Right now, thousands of Alaskans don’t get paid sick days, so they are forced to choose between going in to work when they’re sick or missing a day’s pay. Letting people take time off when they’re sick keeps us all safe because it stops workers from spreading illnesses. Parents should not have to worry about sending a sick child to school, and caretakers should not have to choose between looking after their loved ones in need or getting a paycheck.
This initiative would allow workers to accrue 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked – up to 56 hours per year at big companies and up to 40 hours per year at small ones. It’s time to stop punishing people for getting sick and ensure hardworking Alaskans can earn paid sick days.
Alaska is one of the most expensive states in the country, and too many hardworking Alaskans have to work two or three jobs just to get by. A full-time minimum wage worker makes less than $24,500 per year, making it impossible to cover basics like food and housing. This measure would help over 23,600 children who live with someone earning minimum wage.
This measure would gradually increase the minimum wage until it is $15 in July 2027.
This initiative would stop corporations from forcing employees to participate in meetings about religion and politics unrelated to their jobs. Alaska workers deserve freedom from their boss’ political points of view in the workplace.
