(Washington, DC) -- Workers who are told by employers to stay home when they are sick could get up to five days paid time off under a new measure introduced in the U.S. House.

The emergency legislation would apply to H1N1 flu or other infectious diseases.

California Democrat George Miller says, quote, "sick workers advised to stay home by their employers shouldn't have to choose between their livelihood and their co-workers' or customers' health." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised employers to encourage sick employees to stay home to avoid spreading H1N1 flu.

Miller says at least 50-million U.S. workers don't get paid sick time.

He noted many of those work in areas such as food service, where there is direct contact with the public.

　

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