"Guess what happens when a global flu pandemic meets sick leave rules straight out of the world of Charles Dickens?

Workers get sick. More workers get sick. Customers get sick. Bosses who thought they were making money by forcing sick employees to work wind up losing money instead.

The Emerald Queen’s policy presents the problem at its starkest. According to the people who work there, the Puyallup tribal casino’s busiest days – Fridays, weekends and holidays – are must-work days for scheduled employees.

Call in sick once, you’re suspended without pay for a day. Call in sick twice, you’re suspended for three days. Three times, you lose five days; four times, you lose your job.

Hello, Mr. Scrooge.

Do the casino’s weekend gamblers know they are rubbing shoulders with workers who aren’t allowed to stay home if they get the flu?

Emerald Queen managers are reportedly rethinking the policy, which can only hurt their business in the long run."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Swine flu demands humane sick leave (The Tacoma News-Tribune 10/6)

Earlier Story:
Tribes consider casino employee illness policy (10/5)