'Sick Rick' Roams Downtown In Support Of Paid Sick Days
DENVER (CBS4) - The campaign for a healthy Denver has rolled out a giant germ to make its case for paid sick days.
"Sick Rick" walks through downtown Denver, urging people to vote yes on Initiative 300. The ballot measure would require every business in Denver provide five to nine paid sick days.
Supporters say 40 percent of employers in the city offer no paid sick leave.
One restaurant worker told CBS4 he and coworkers often go to work sick because they can't afford to lose a day's pay.
"Seventy-four percent of restaurant workers do not have access to paid sick time and that forces us to make very simple decisions. Either you come to work sick or you lose a day's pay," he said.
Those opposed include Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. He says the initiative would cost the city and businesses lots of money.
Some Denver businesses call the use of "Sick Rick" a shameful campaign tactic meant to scare customers away from small businesses.
