Rep. Barragán Votes to Advance Paid Sick Leave for Railway Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) Nov. 30 voted to advance legislation which includes seven days of paid sick leave for railway workers in their negotiated agreements with rail carriers.

The House considered two bills: legislation to adopt the tentative deal between rail companies and labor negotiators reached in September and a separate bill which modifies the agreement to include seven days of annual sick leave which was not included in the original deal brokered by the Administration. Rep. Barragán voted in support of both bills to ensure that the House passed legislation sent over to the Senate will include the long overdue paid sick leave for workers.

“Paid sick leave is a fundamental right, yet railroad workers do not have the basic right to take paid time off for a doctor’s appointment, to recover from an illness, or to take care of a sick family member, said Rep. Barragán. “This is cruel and unnecessary. Last year, the seven major railway companies in the U.S. and Canada made $27 billion in profits while their workers have struggled to care for themselves and their families. Today, House Democrats stood up and had the backs of the workers that keep our economy running. We will continue to fight for basic worker rights, including guaranteed paid sick leave for all workers. I urge the Senate to send the House’s legislation with sick leave to President Biden’s desk.”