(CNSNews.com) - President Barack Obama told his Saturday radio audience that paid sick leave is a necessity for families who are "working paycheck to paycheck" because "too much of our wealth is still taken by the top."
Because Congress has not heeded his call for legislation, Obama said he's "doing what I can on my own," requiring federal contractors to give their employees up to seven paid sick days each year.
"It will help about one million workers when they or a loved one gets sick," Obama said. "It will cover time you need for preventive care. It will cover absences resulting from domestic violence or sexual assault. And it means everyone else is less likely to catch what someone else has got -- whether it's a coworker or the person preparing or serving your food.
"Paid sick leave isn't a side issue, or a women's issue, or something that's just nice to have. It's a must-have," he continued.
"By the way, so are economic priorities like child care, paid family leave, equal pay, and a higher minimum wage. We need a Congress that will act on all these issues, too, because they'd make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of Americans who are working hard every day."
Obama said since he took office, "another ten million private sector workers have gained paid sick leave, making up a record share of our workforce." But he said about 40 million private sector workers don't get a single day of paid sick leave, forcing them to make difficult choices about staying home or going to work when they or a child don't feel well.