[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 19, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1545
                  PAID SICK LEAVE FOR RAILROAD WORKERS

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the need for the 
Freight Rail Workforce Health and Safety Act.
  I introduced this bill to give our critical railroad workers 7 days 
of paid sick leave. It would allow them to care for their health and 
the health of family members without using their vacation time. It is a 
benefit enjoyed by millions of American workers every single day. Yet, 
for some reason, railroad companies have refused to provide it to 
railroad workers, but they do provide it to railroad management.
  Our railroad workers should have the right to paid sick leave. They 
risked their health and safety to keep food and medicine on store 
shelves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  This bill would allow them to take care of their health without 
worrying about their income, and I encourage all of my colleagues to 
support it.
  We have it here in the Congress, our staff has it here in the 
Congress. The railroad workers need it as well.

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