Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Public Health & Human Services recently voted to support legislation that would require all private sector employers to provide paid sick leave for all employees working within the City of Philadelphia.  The bill now awaits a vote by the full Council.  If passed, employers with 10 or more employees would be required to pay 9 sick days and those with 10 or fewer employees would be required to pay 5 sick days per year.  The leave can be taken not only if the employee is ill but can also be used to care for sick family members.

The Chamber testified in strong opposition to passage of the mandated paid sick leave bill.  Philadelphia’s heavy tax burden coupled with additional unfunded mandates makes it difficult for small businesses and start-ups to succeed within the city.  Some employers just cannot afford to pay this benefit and may be forced to eliminate other benefits that they provide in order to pay for sick leave. Worse yet, some employers may decide they cannot expand their operations should this legislation pass the full Council.

The Chamber is asking all businesses with employees in the city to join the debate!  If you are concerned about the bill’s impact on your business, we ask that you let City Council know how these extra costs will affect your business.  What decisions would you be forced to make to address the added cost.

Please click here to contact your Council representatives.  You will be asked to provide your address in order to best match you with your appropriate Council person.  From there, you will be able to write them directly.

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