FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Contact: Hannah Edwards
[email protected]
MO JwJ Releases Statement After House Votes to Repeal Paid Sick Leave Win
Jefferson City, MO — House Bill 567, a bill meant to undo Proposition A’s paid sick leave provision and curb annual increases in the minimum wage, is now headed to the Senate after passing the House today with a vote of 96-51. If passed, the bill would force hundreds of thousands of Missourians to once again either come to work while sick or miss necessary income to pay their bills. House Bill 567, sponsored by Representative Sherri Gallick (R-62, district includes territory in Cass and Bates counties), is being driven by special interest groups directly against working families, playing right into the pocket of big business.
The bill sponsor proposed an emergency clause which was rejected by the House. Workers will still begin earning sick leave starting May 1, and employers should prepare to notify their employees of their right to earn paid sick time by April 15, as required by law.
When Prop A passed in November of 2024, it was the most popular issue on the ballot and passed by over 57% of the vote, winning in rural, suburban and urban counties. It passed in 106 state house districts; 52 districts represented by Democrats and 54 represented by Republicans. Many representatives from districts that passed Proposition A today voted against their constituents’ clear demand for the ability to earn paid sick time by supporting HB 567.
Workers across the state have expressed their concerns about legislators push to repeal Proposition A and the will of the people:
“Working for McDonald’s for over 15 years I never once got paid sick time. As a mother, I had to either go to work sick or take food out of my babies mouths. Proposition A means workers won’t have to face that choice anymore and it is revolting that it is being challenged,” Betty Douglas, longtime Fight for 15 member and food service worker.
“Like most Missourians, I work hard,” Alejandro Gallardo, a prep cook and worker leader with Missouri Jobs with Justice. “I put in long hours as a restaurant worker, and I bust my butt each day. Despite my dedication and hard work, I often found myself in a difficult situation—calling in sick to care for myself, losing out on a day’s pay or risk getting my coworkers and customers sick while earning the paycheck I need to survive.”
Missouri Jobs with Justice had this to say in response:
“It’s extremely concerning that the House would pass House Bill 567 after learning its true intention laid out by the Chamber of Commerce CEO—to roll back the will of Missouri voters for the sake of wealthy corporate businesses to deny earned sick leave to workers. Special interest groups are attacking our democratic processes in all arenas, puppeteering legislators and trying to game our courts to undermine the will of the people. We can’t let it happen.”
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More About Missouri Jobs with Justice:
Missouri Jobs with Justice is a coalition of community, labor, faith-based, and student groups and individuals working to build power through direct action and strong relationships rooted in justice, equity, and solidarity. An organization of, by and for working people, we hope to build a Missouri where all people can lead safe and healthy lives. In addition to our local and state partners, we are proud to be affiliated with national Jobs with Justice as well as People’s Action. Companion 501(c)(4) organization Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action builds Missouri’s worker justice movement through workplace campaigns, ballot initiatives, and other community fights.