They originally sought seven days, but the final version was reduced in negotiations during the legislative process. It was a significant, but partial victory for proponents, including advocacy groups for families and women and dozens of unions. Lena Gonzalez, also extends protections against retaliation to workers who are in a union, but excludes provisions that would have granted railroad employees access to unpaid sick leave.
The bill, authored by Long Beach Democratic Sen. 1, up from the three days that employers are currently required to provide, thanks to Senate Bill 616. California workers will be guaranteed five paid sick days a year starting Jan.