Minn. Legislature adjusts sick leave for staff

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature is adjusting sick leave policies for staff members to account for potential flu outbreaks or another widespread illness.

A panel of senior lawmakers adopted a new emergency sick leave policy on Monday. It enables managers to temporarily let employees borrow against future sick time or make other accommodations.

Employee sick leave is at the forefront given the spread of the swine flu.

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher says the new policy is meant to protect public health. She says it recognizes that members of the public come in contact with lawmakers and their staff when the Legislature is in session.

Legislation before Congress would guarantee paid sick leave to workers if their employer asks them to stay home with swine flu or a similar contagious illness.

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