Essential workers should be guaranteed 14 days of paid sick leave for the duration of the pandemic without the need of a doctor's note. This is more expansive than the City of Los Angeles' Sick Leave emergency ordinance which guarantees 10 days of paid sick leave for businesses with more than 500 employees. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are also considering a motion to require employers to provide 10 days of supplemental paid sick leave.

No Waivers for Meet and Confer Requirements

At a time of social distancing, unions want to force employers to meet at the table and confer for any changes. 

Statewide Moratorium on Evictions, Foreclosures and Utility Shutoffs

In addition to the Governor's enactment of a statewide moratorium on evictions, there is a proposal to extend the prohibition of evictions and enact moratoriums on foreclosures and utility shutoffs for at least the next 60 days or for the duration of the state emergency.

Recognize Union Leaders as Essential Workers

Unions want the state to recognize their leaders and representatives as essential workers along with the associated benefits. 

Job-Based Coverage Benefits for Laid-off Employees

Require employers to maintain benefits to employees who have lost job-based coverage due to layoffs related to the pandemic. 

Presumption for Workers' Compensation

Mandate the presumption that essential workers who contract COVID-19 have contracted it during employment and should be ensured workers' compensation for medical and indemnity benefits. Additionally, a PTSD diagnosis for hospital workers would also be presumed to have arisen during employment for workers' compensation. 

Unemployment Insurance

Guarantee unemployment insurance for independent contractors recently reclassified as employees, while retroactively billing the companies contracting them back payments into the state's unemployment insurance. 

Benefit Programs

Include non-standard work arrangements, specifically for employees in the entertainment industry and in-home supportive services in state benefit programs. Consider constructions workers as essential and implement  a blanket expansion of paid sick leave for workers to self-quarantine. 

No Changes to Restrictive Regulations

Unions want to hold the line and not give any leeway for employers, including essential businesses such as hospitals, to make reasonable changes regarding meal and rest breaks, overtime, staffing ratios or scope of practice. This effectively ties the hands of businesses seeking to stay afloat during this economic crisis.

Workers in State Leased/Commandeered Hotels 

Guarantee workers in hotels leased or commandeered by the state due to the current crisis the right to work where possible, maintenance of healthcare benefits in the event of layoffs and a right of recall after the crisis recedes.