Should Missouri Companies guarantee paid sick days?

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Should Missouri companies guarantee paid sick days?

A ballot Initiative which could appear before Missouri voters would not only increase minimum wage but also guarantee paid sick leave for employees of Missouri companies.

Terrence Wise of the Missouri Workers Center says the amount of sick days guaranteed would be based on the size of the company.

"Most employers would have to offer three to five (sick days)," said Wise. "Most major employers, major corporations would have to offer seven days of paid sick leave."

Wise says they've gathered over 210,000 signatures to put the measure on the November ballot.

Missouri recently voted to raise minimum wage just a few years ago, but Wise says it didn't go far enough .

"The cost of living adjustments are just not keeping up with the yearly increases we see in our rent, bread and other food items, gas, milk and things of that nature," said Wise.

Wise says paid sick days would have been beneficial to the local communities during COVID.

"If all workers had the abilities to have paid sick leave, not only is it good for healthy communities and keeping folks in the community healthy, but it gives folks a real opportunity to heal and stay at home," said Wise.

The current minimum wage is $12.30 an hour. The proposal would raise it up to $15 an hour in 2026.