Extend paid sick leave to everyone: Labor-linked think tank We’re sorry, this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Dismiss Normal text size Advertisement A Labor-aligned think tank with a history of forecasting the party’s policy is urging all workers to be given paid holidays and sick leave even if they are independent contractors or casuals. In a report to be released on Monday, the McKell Institute argues that universal paid sick leave will avoid the spectre of people with symptoms of the coronavirus or other future pandemic diseases feeling pressure to go to work to earn a living.