West Virginia small business leaders urge U.S. Senator Joe Manchin to support a national paid leave policy
June 23, 2021
Today, West Virginia small business leaders met virtually with staff representing U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) to express their support for national paid family and medical leave policy.
Business participants included:
Bluegrass Kitchen & Starlings (Charleston, WV)
Farmer’s Daughter (Capon Bridge, WV)
Full Circle Gifts & ceramic (Huntington, WV)
Barnwood Living (White Sulphur Springs, WV)
The meeting, conducted as part of the Businesses for Paid Leave Week of Action, gave the participants a chance to make a strong business case for providing paid family and medical leave.
Companies with a paid leave policy have found increased productivity and improved employee morale and retention. Moreover, a nationwide paid family and medical leave program would allow smaller businesses to compete with larger businesses, which is why the majority of small businesses support the policy.
"As a micro-business, any benefits come directly out of our pocket. A recent employee had a back injury and even after many attempts to have him rest at home, he couldn’t lose the hours and stayed at work. If we could afford or have had help with sick leave or paid leave, he could heal better,” explained Kate Pacelli, a meeting participant and owner of Farmer’s Daughter in Capon Bridge, WV. “Having support with providing our employees with paid leave would extend the life of our workforce and better their spirits. Working face to face with the public (especially being essential workers during this last year), medical, mental, pleasure, and family time off work is needed more than ever."
The support of businesses for paid leave is matched by the support of communities across the country. While only 21% of working people in the U.S. have access to paid family leave through their employers, the policy is supported by 83% of the American public. Evidence from states and districts with paid leave policies demonstrate that when accessible and equitable paid leave policies are in place they can support working families, public health and businesses alike.
Businesses for Paid Leave Week of Action is being organized in partnership with PL+US (Paid Leave for the U.S.), the National Partnership for Women & Families, Times Up, Main Street Alliance, and Paid Leave for All.