The DC City Council passed the Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act in 2008, guaranteeing that anyone working in the District can earn up to 7 days of paid sick leave. However, at the last minute, the law was severely weakened to exclude tipped restaurant workers and anyone working on their first year of the job. We believe strongly that these flaws and loopholes in the 2008 law severely limit its effectiveness, and as a result, thousands of DC residents are unnecessarily suffering. Ensuring that restaurant workers can stay home to care for themselves or their loved ones will protect families struggling to get by and keep the public healthy.

If you are a Meridian Pint or Smoke and Barrel customer or employee, share your thoughts in the "Why this is important to you" comment box!