Ballot Question Week: Extending Sick Time

Steve Crawford of Raise Up Massachusetts and Jon Hurst of No On 4 Coalition make their arguments to Jim Braude on Broadside.

As Ballot Question Week on Broadside concluded Friday, Jim Braude spoke with a supporter and an opponent of Question 4 in Massachusetts, which would mandate earned sick time for workers in the commonwealth.

Steve Crawford of Raise Up Massachusetts argued in favor of the proposal while Retailers Association of Massachusetts President Jon Hurst argued in favor of the No On Question 4 Coalition.

"The yes vote on Question 4 allows every worker in Massachusetts to earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked," said Crawford.

"The problem is, it really hammers small businesses. It's also rigged against the taxpayers," said Hurst. "Frankly, it's trying to create a one-size-fits-all for all employers and all employees, when really, we aren't all the same."

"Under this bill, if you work at a place that has 10 employees or fewer, you don't get paid sick time," argued Crawford, explaining that the sick time is mandated but unpaid for such companies. "I don't understand how that 'hammers small business.'"

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