Maryland lawmakers are nearing approval for legislation that would require employers to let workers use sick leave to care for a parent, child or spouse, and that would extend unemployment benefits to part-time workers.
The bills, which have passed in one or both legislative chambers, have gained support this year as workers are faced with a shaky job outlook. Proponents say the measures are necessary because part-time workers make up a growing portion of the work force and because dual-job households are increasingly struggling to care for children or aging parents.
"These bills are aimed at updating our laws so that they reflect the norms of our working world," said Jason Perkins-Cohen, executive director of the Job Opportunities Task Force, a Baltimore nonprofit group. "We have a lot of part-time workers in our economy now, and we're heavy into a recession so people lose jobs through no fault of their own."
But some business groups fear the changes would raise costs for employers at a time when they, too, have been hit by a crumbling economy. Small businesses and restaurants opposed the unemployment legislation, saying it would force employers to pay higher payroll taxes. Retailers weighed in against flexible leave, saying it would create problems for businesses that rely on a small number of employees.
"The government shouldn't be micromanaging the workplace," said Thomas S. Saquella, a lobbyist for the Maryland Retailers Association. "Most employers are able to handle these situations, and sometimes it's hard to legislate common sense."
The House of Delegates voted 91-45 yesterday to approve the flexible-leave bill. The Senate voted 30-17 last week to pass a different version that excludes employers with fewer than 15 workers and limits the leave benefit to occasions when the employee is caring for a child. For the bill to be enacted, the two chambers must hash out a compromise measure.
Last week, the Senate also narrowly approved the unemployment bill, 25-22, but only after the measure had failed on an earlier vote and was reconsidered at the request of its lead sponsor, Sen. Delores G. Kelley, a Baltimore County Democrat. The House Economic Matters Committee plans to hold a hearing on the bill today.
Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration backs both bills.
