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Battle Continues Over Calif. Bill Requiring Paid Sick Leave for All

The battle continues over an Assembly bill that would require all California employers to provide paid sick leave. Supporters say it would be good for public health. But critics say it would lead to m

Battle Continues Over Calif. Bill Requiring Paid Sick Leave for All

The battle continues over an Assembly bill that would require all California employers to provide paid sick leave. Supporters say it would be good for public health. But critics say it would lead to major job losses. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The measure would make California the first state to require paid sick leave. Under the bill, workers could earn up to nine sick days a year. The National Federation of Independent Business says that would be bad for the state's economy.

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The group predicts if the measure passed, about 370,000 Californians would lose their jobs within five years. The Federation says retail and construction would be especially hard hit.

Supporters say the measure would actually save employers up to $1 billion a year. The savings would come from reduced turnover and less illness in the workplace. An estimated six-million working Californians do not earn sick leave.

Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.