Sick leave may be leaving the category of “voluntary benefits” and moving to the “required benefits” category, depending on where you live. Currently, several cities including New York City, San Francisco, and Philadelphia require sick leave for employees. This trend has led to several unsuccessful proposals requiring sick leave in 12 states.

Supporters of the initiatives claim that mandatory paid sick leave would save money for employers because sick employees would stay home rather than come to work and spread illness, reducing productivity. Most other industrialized countries require some paid sick leave. Opponents include business groups that point out that nothing is free. Cuts would be made in other areas such as pay, or benefits such as health care and vacations. 

Ethical questions: 

Should paid sick leave become a legal requirement? Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Where do you stand on the issue?