| Fundamental flaws in US health care and worker protection exposed. That's what this is. Compare to the system in my native Belgium: - a month of 100% paid sick leave, paid by the employer - followed by five months 60% of wage in sick leave, paid by social security - protected from redundancy within this 6 month period - if made redundant afterwards while still ill after 6 months, obligation for the employer to pay (significant) damages - 60% of last wage sick pay afterwards, capped to a generous maximum, unlimited in time as long as the illness lasts, paid by social security - high quality healthcare regardless of employment status - jobless benefits when healthy without a job, unlimited in time, recently made somewhat degressive This makes for less of a power imbalance between employers and employees. Huge short and medium term social stabiliser. Certainly not without its flaws, but great to have in place during these times of severe economic crisis. |