From Microsoft, a Novel Way to Mandate Sick Leave

nytimes.com - It is difficult to imagine, at least in the current political climate, that the federal government will require paid sick leave for workers, let alone vacation time.

The White House announced Wednesday that senior officials, including the labor secretary, would begin a monthlong roadshow around the country to promote paid leave. And in his State of the Union address, President Obama urged Congress to pass a bill giving workers seven days of paid sick leave. But any federal requirement would need the support of Congress, a tough obstacle.