FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) voted to advance legislation which includes seven days of paid sick leave for railway workers in their negotiated agreements with rail carriers.
The House considered two bills: legislation to adopt the tentative deal between rail companies and labor negotiators reached in September, which does not include paid sick leave for railway workers, and a separate bill which modifies the agreement to include 7 days of annual sick leave. Rep. Barragán voted “yes” on both bills to ensure legislation the House sends over to the Senate to codify the tentative deal will be accompanied by legislation that provides long overdue paid sick leave for workers.
“Paid sick leave is a fundamental right, yet railroad workers do not have the basic right to take paid time off for a doctor’s appointment, to recover from an illness, or to take care of a sick family member, said Rep. Barragán. “This is cruel and unnecessary. Last year, the seven major railway companies in the U.S. and Canada made $27 billion in profits while their workers have struggled to care for themselves and their families. Today, House Democrats stood up and had the backs of the workers that keep our economy running. We will continue to fight for basic worker rights, including guaranteed paid sick leave for all workers. I urge the Senate to send the House’s legislation with sick leave to President Biden’s desk.”
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security, and on the House Energy and Commerce Health, Energy, and Environment & Climate Change Subcommittees.