Those in minimum wage jobs and the hospitality industry especially are affected by lack of sick leave. Not only do they loose much needed pay, but at least one employer I know of read their employees the riot act about sucking it up and coming to work regardless of being ill. I'm sure many restaurants do the same, regardless of how upscale. You don't wanna know how many sick people are preparing and serving your food! On top of this, that same employer said if an employee does call in sick they must have a doctor note....and employer of course is not providing health insurance....