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Proposal for paid sick days for Swine Flu

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As more people come down with the Swine Flu, a Senior House Democrat has introduced legislation to direct employers to pay for 'sick days' for workers sent home with the virus, including people in Southern Nevada.

It's the brainchild of House Education and Labor Committee Chair, George Miller.

He says his measure would protect about 50-million workers who don't receive paid sick days.

From the kitchen to the dining room, protecting against the Swine Flu has become a top priority at the Gritz Cafe in Las Vegas.

"Definitely washing my hands, with everything I do, serving food, handling money," says employee Jackie Dunn.

But if that doesn't work, and Jackie contracts H1N1, the new federal proposal in the House would give her five paid sick days she couldn't otherwise afford to take.

"I believe it's worth it. I believe we need to protect our customers, says Gritz owner, Trina Jiles, even though it would be money out of her pocket.

Under the bill, Jiles would have to ask a sick employee to stay home.

It would cover businesses that employ 15 or more people.

Businesses that already offer at least five paid sick days would be exempt.

"We know that the average person is down three days to an average of seven days. My employees know that if they're not feeling well I'd rather them stay home than bring anything in here," says Jiles.

Customers agree wholeheartedly.

"But I think if the government is going to mandate that, they need to provide some additional funds to the business owners," says patron, Sam Wright.

A hearing will be held on the bill later this month.

Miller plans to seek a quick vote on the floor, in part, because the proposal also applies to contagious illnesses similar to the Swine Flu.

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