Nutter signs paid sick leave legislation

By mid-May, paid sick leave will be law in Philadelphia. Mayor Michael Nutter signed legislation Thursday requiring companies with 10 or more employees to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked.

"Now, our workforce will be able to take time off for preventive care, recover from an illness or injury, or to ensure that their family and personal business is well-cared for without worrying if it will affect their financial situation or physical health," said Nutter. "This legislation balances the needs of workers and employers and I am proud to sign it."

Businesses with existing leave policies that meet the minimum paid sick leave accrual standards and other requirements within the legislation will not have to change their policies or provide for additional leave time.

"I am very pleased that we have all come together to provide this reasonable benefit to the working people of Philadelphia," said Councilman Greenlee, who championed the legislation.

The success or failure of the Philadelphia program is sure to be examined thoroughly, as the country seems divided over the issue.

In his State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama challenged Congress to send him paid sick leave legislation. "Send me a bill that gives every worker in America the opportunity to earn seven days of paid sick leave. It's the right thing to do," said Obama.

Residents in Massachusetts, Oakland, Calif.; and Trenton and Montclair, N.J. voted to pass paid sick leave referendums, according to Forbes. Meanwhile, 11 states passed legislation banning municipalities from enacting paid sick leave rules.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal