State Senator Galluccio Testimony Before the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Senator Anthony D. Galluccio’s Testimony Before

Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

November 7, 2007

Paid Sick Days and Worker Privacy Protection Act

Thank you Chairman McGee, Chairman Torrisi, Vice Chair Resor, Vice Chair Scibak, Senator Jehlen and honorable members of the committee.  I am here today to testify in favor of Senate Bill 1073/House Bill 1803, which establishes a minimum seven paid sick days for all employees in Massachusetts.  I am proud to be standing here with the AFL-CIO, which is also here in support of these bills.  I am very impressed by the organized labor movement here today fighting for workers not currently protected by collective bargaining agreements and, consequently, fair and humane workforce protections.

Like you Mr. Chairman, I have always been considered pro business and will continue to work with members of the General Court to create a stronger and more vibrant business climate for the Commonwealth.  Insuring that workers are treated fairly and compassionately is an important component of a strong business climate.

Myself and my two sisters were raised by a single parent, my Mother, and know first hand how important this bill is not only to the affected worker but to the entire family unit.

Again, I strongly support a minimum of seven paid sick days for all Massachusetts employees and hope this Committee sees fit to report the bill favorably.

The second bill I am testifying in favor of is Senate Bill 1848/House Bill 1049, a worker privacy bill that protects workers from attending mandatory meetings with political, religious and union content. The General Court has made recent progress in protecting organizing efforts in the workplace and this bill adds an essential component to those protections.

 In my hometown for many years, we have struggled to engage employees in workplace organizing efforts and this bill offers protections against union busting efforts as well as the imposition of employer-based political and religious influence over vulnerable employees.  I also hope that these bills are favorably reported out of committee so that they can proceed along the legislative process.