6.04.21 – Government Affairs Update: Illinois Sick Leave Act (SB 645)

Friday, June 4, 2021

Government Affairs Update: Illinois Sick Leave Act (SB 645)

The Illinois Sick Leave Act allows workers to utilize earned sick time to care for a family member or committed partner without loss of income. This legislation expressly excluded workers under Title II of the RLA – which means Flight Attendants and other aviation workers cannot use the Illinois Sick Leave Act.

Last week, APFA, TWU, and AFA-CWA together achieved 57 co-sponsors for the Illinois Sick Leave bill (SB 645) in two days, a historic achievement in Illinois. As of Monday, May 24th, there were only ten co-sponsors for this bill. Flight Attendants advocating through calls and e-mails moved many state Representatives to sign on as co-sponsors. The Illinois Democratic House of Representatives has never had that many co-sponsors on a single piece of legislation.

APFA representatives spent three days in Springfield, Illinois, to help push Senate Bill 645 to include aviation workers in the Illinois Sick Leave Act. We could not get over the hurdle of the 60 co-sponsors needed, but we still have time to get it done in November during the veto session.

APFA, TWU, and AFA-CWA Flight Attendants meet with IL State Representatives in Springfield, IL

We want to thank the APFA members who are residents of Illinois that took the time to contact their Representatives. APFA, along with AFA-CWA and TWU, will be working together through the summer and fall to include aviation workers in this important legislation.

APFA’s Government Affairs Department will keep a close eye on similar future state and national proposed legislation that affect our members in all bases, and will be sure to issue calls to action. Flight Attendants should not be excluded from legislation that helps us care for our loved ones.

We appreciate your involvement!

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
APFA Government Affairs Representative

Lori Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representative

[email protected]