"Everyone" and "no-one" is rather a large brush.
When I retired, I had over $30K worth of unused sick leave. They gave me 17, after taxes and other BS- tho buyout isn't at 100%.
Next I worked as a ramper for AK Air in Kotzebue for 4 years, working 60-80 hours a week. Had a couple mild colds, never took one day of paid sick leave. We were short-staffed.... only about 20 rampers and agents both.
Then 4 years with a food service company, feeding the school kids there. Picked up something on the plane back from Hawaii, and did take a few days off. A cafeteria is no place to sneeze on food for others....
My wife worked in school district administration there- 8 years. She might have taken a few days off sick leave, I don't remember. She did cash in over 30K of unused vacation time (also not fully compensated) when we left after 8 years.
Some people actually do have a work ethic. Or are work-a-holics.....
