***For Immediate Release***
March 20, 2025
Contact:
Sierra Salgado Pirigyi
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
Office: (402) 438-8853 ext 116
sierrasp@neappleseed.org
RELEASE: Ballot sponsors oppose efforts to undermine Paid Sick Leave (Initiative 436)
AM545 would prevent some Nebraska workers from accessing paid sick leave
LINCOLN, NE – As early as today, the Nebraska Legislature will begin debate on LB415, a bill that contains a pending amendment, AM545. This amendment substantially undermines the will of nearly 75% of Nebraskans who voted in favor of Initiative 436, Paid Sick Leave, last November.
AM545 prevents several categories of workers from being able to earn paid sick leave, including seasonal and temporary agricultural workers, and youth under the age of 16. Moreover, AM545 exempts businesses with 10 or fewer workers from having to provide paid sick leave, and dilutes protections for workers whose rights are violated for using paid sick leave.
The ballot sponsors of Initiative 436, Craig Moody, Jo Giles and Sierra Edmisten, issued the following statement in opposition to AM545:
“An overwhelming number of voters in our state – including majority support in every legislative district and in 89 of 93 counties – decided that hardworking Nebraskans should no longer have to choose between paying their bills or caring for their or a loved one’s health. The right to earn paid sick leave is a common-sense policy that will help workers, businesses, families and our communities thrive.
It is far past time to ensure paid sick leave for all working Nebraskans, no matter what industry they work in, the size of their employer or how old they are. We strongly urge the Nebraska Legislature to honor the will of its constituents and reject AM545, or similar variations that would largely contradict what a significant majority of Nebraskans support.”
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