American workers have some unlikely allies in the fight forpaid sick days. California Republican MimiWalters has sponsored a bill that would encourage companiesto provide 14 to 20 days of paid time off, and big business lovesit.

Currently in committee, the bill would also encourage companiesto allow for flexible work arrangements like job sharing, orworking remotely. On average, companies currently offer 10days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave per year; the newlegislation would lump all days off into one category, which wouldinclude sick time, vacation and holidays.

The measure would create a national paid-time off policy forsick days and other personal needs, and businesses that complywould be exempt from tougher state and municipal rules. There areat least 40 different local laws designed to protect workers frombeing fired or disciplined for trying to follow doctor’s orders.About one-third of U.S. workers get paid sick days, either becauselocal law requires it or their company offers itvoluntarily.