AUSTIN—The Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas (ASSET) today released the following statement to address misinformation about paid sick leave related to the spread of Coronavirus:
“Texas employers are committed to keeping their employees safe and healthy, which is why 68 percent of Texans have paid time off, the highest percentage of all the states according to the Trust for America’s Health.
“Every employer is responsible for putting policies in place to best protect their employees, and is committed to working with employees on an individual basis when issues arise. We all understand the importance of stopping the spread of the Coronavirus, but having paid sick leave does not guarantee that employees will stay home when they are sick or that individuals will exercise the appropriate hygiene to stop the spread of disease.
“Whether addressing paid sick leave or any other employment benefit, piecemeal local employment ordinances are both unconstitutional and unenforceable. Using a public health crisis to push a political agenda is counterproductive and not in Texans’ interests. Texas needs consistent, predictable, statewide employment regulations no matter the size of the employer or the circumstances.”