Letter of Support: Justice Clothing

Apr 01, 2010  |  Eric Odier-Fink

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April 1, 2010

Dear Members of Congress:

As a small business owner in Bangor, Maine, I am writing to express my strong support

for the Healthy Families Act, federal legislation that would establish a minimum standard of paid

sick days for workers. I founded Justice Clothing, a family-owned online apparel retailer, over

ten years ago. Over the years, my company has employed one to three employees-and I have

offered paid sick days to all my employees.

I believe that providing paid sick days makes good business sense. Paid sick days

policies increase productivity among employees: they aren't forced to come to work sick and be

less productive, and then infect others. The cost of providing paid sick days is relatively minor-

even for a small business like mine-and are outweighed by the benefits. Businesses that

provide sustainable wages and worker-friendly benefits are able to recruit, retain and support

skilled, talented workers.

I strongly support the Healthy Families Act, which would guarantee workers seven paid

sick days a year to recover from illness or to care for a sick child or family member. My business

would benefit from a national standard of paid sick days because it would level the playing field

among my competitors who don't currently offer paid sick days to their employees. In order for

me to continue to recruit, retain and support a talented workforce, I must acknowledge the needs

of my workers and their families. I urge Congress to do the same by supporting the Healthy

Families Act, which would help meet the needs of our workforce and modern economy. Thank

you.

Sincerely,

Eric Odier-Fink

Justice Clothing