This story quotes the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• 39% of all private sector workers are not paid for sick days
• 64 % of workers who are in the bottom quarter of wage earners are not paid for sick days

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce both have offered plans and guidance for small businesses in the pandemic.

The New York Times

“In an effort to rein in the spread of the H1N1 flu, Representative George Miller, the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, introduced legislation on Tuesday that would guarantee five paid sick days for workers sent home by their employers with a contagious illness.

“Mr. Miller, Democrat of California, voiced concern that more than 40 million workers did not have paid sick days and that many workers coming into contact with public — like restaurant or school cafeteria employees — would go to work with H1N1 and spread the virus if they could not afford to stay home.

“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 39 percent of all private-sector workers do not receive paid sick days, while among the bottom 25 percent of wage earners, 63 percent do not.

“Sick workers advised to stay home by their employers shouldn’t have to choose between their livelihood and their co-workers’ or customers’ health,” Mr. Miller said. “This will not only protect employees, but it will save employers money by ensuring that sick employees don’t spread infection to co-workers and customers.”

Source: New York Times, November 3, 2009