May 10, 2011 03:47 AM UTC

Campaign for a Healthy Denver launched

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• by: Progressive Promoter

While it’s hard to compete with the news that Mejia endorsed Romer in the mayor’s race, a coalition of community, labor, business, faith and other groups launched Campaign for a Healthy Denver today at noon.  

The group filed language with the city for a municipal ballot initiative ensuring paid sick days for workers in the city and county of Denver. Nearly 40% of Denver workers don’t have paid sick days, meaning that 100,000 people either miss pay or risk losing their job when sick. It’s a real problem.

Speakers talked about the public health dangers associated with a lack of paid sick days, especially at restaurants, childcare centers and retail shops.  Amid the lunchtime rush on the 16th Street Mall, activists handed out cards explaining that 72% of Denver restaurant workers don’t have paid sick days. Yuck! Would you like the flu with your fries?

And the good news is this is not a business v. worker fight. A number of business owners are on board because they recognize that offering paid sick days is good for business.  When workers can take time off for illness, they’re more productive, more loyal to the company and spare their co-workers, clients and customers their viruses and bacteria.

On to language and title review, then signatures, then on to the ballot via city council. Wish us luck!