{
  "id": 3919087,
  "title": "Calling Out Sick Costs Labor Economy Workers More",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/calling-out-sick-costs-labor-economy-workers-more",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-28T08:00:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PYMNTS",
    "slug": "pymnts",
    "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/consumer-insights/2026/calling-out-sick-costs-labor-economy-workers-more/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The \"Wage to Wallet Index: Paid Time, Unpaid Risk\" reveals the significant financial impact of missed shifts on the Labor Economy, which comprises roughly 60 million American workers earning no more than $25 an hour. These workers, who have fewer workplace benefits and financial resources than higher-earning employees, are more likely to go to work sick due to lost pay, with 30.3% citing it as their primary reason. In contrast, only 16.5% of higher-earning workers reported the same concern. The index highlights that a lack of assets, such as investments, home equity, and retirement accounts, leaves less financial cushion for unexpected expenses, making it harder for low-income workers to cover emergency costs. Consequently, many Labor Economy workers resort to seeking additional hours or side gigs to compensate for lost income, exacerbating their financial strain.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}