Sick pay doesn't come without a cost

Paid time off is a difficult issue for any employer. "Feel good" laws that reward the hypochondriac and the slacker are not the solution.

Arthur O. Armstrong

Manhattan Beach

Dr. [Rajiv] Bhatia of the San Francisco Department of Public Health Department laments the public health impact of employers that do not provide moderate-income workers with paid sick leave ["Public Health Comes into Play When Sick Days Aren't Paid," July 7].

Laws such as the one in San Francisco that require employers to award workers paid sick time equal to 3.3% of hours worked actually harms moderate income workers by reducing their take-home pay. Paid sick leave is not a "free" perk. Rather, it's a way to evenly spread income earned during fewer "working" days over productive and nonproductive (i.e. sick) days.

In other words, if employers are required to pay employees for working 3.3% fewer hours, they will adjust their pay accordingly.

Workers could undoubtedly use more sick days. However, if given the choice, many would prefer the additional pay if they had the option.

One does not have to be an economist to understand that workers are paid to be on the job. When cities force employers to provide paid sick leave, they in essence, also require employers to dock workers' pay accordingly.

Devon M. Herrick, Senior Fellow, National Center for Policy Analysis

Dallas

Dealing with leprosy, working for change

I recently read your article on the stigma of leprosy ["Sadly, Leprosy's Stigma Endures," June 30]. I was concerned about the patient who never came back to the office for treatment or follow-up. I know how important it is to be on a strict treatment plan, having had leprosy myself and enduring over a decade of treatment and emotional trials.

I am part of an international organization called IDEA that is made up of people with leprosy. Our main objective is to end the stigma associated with the disease and ensure equal rights and treatment for those with this illness. In addition, I coordinate the Support for People with Hansen's Disease/Leprosy website at www.hansensdisease.org. The site is available to individuals and their families affected by leprosy who need assistance in locating resources in the United States or just need a listening ear and some reassurance from someone who has had the disease.

Your article is proof that there is still much work to be done to end the stigma of leprosy. The most important part of this task is in educating the people who have leprosy with the true facts about their illness and in providing them with support that will get them through this difficult time.

Nicole H. Holmes

Rex, Ga.



The writer is support group coordinator with the International Assn. for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement; Support for People with Hansen’s Disease/Leprosy, (866) 637-1525.





In 1961, my husband was diagnosed with leprosy after he returned from military service in Korea, where it was thought that he contracted the disease. He was hospitalized for nearly 10 months at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago. He was in isolation the entire time. The doctors considered sending him to Carville, a leprosarium in Louisiana, but agreed that he wasn't contagious after sulfa drugs were administered. He was finally allowed to come home.