Politics & Government
Newark Council to Discuss Mandatory Sick Time Law
Measure would require employers to offer up to five paid days off annually
The Newark Municipal Council this week is expected to introduce legislation mandating that workers employed by businesses and public-sector agencies based in the city be allowed to earn paid sick time on their jobs.
“Next week we will take up legislation that will allow every Newark worker to earn at least three and up to five paid sick days. Right now thirty-eight thousand Newark workers must choose between their paycheck and their health, and it is a choice that jeopardizes not just their own well-being but the health and safety of our city as a whole,” several council members said in a joint statement.
Six cities, including Jersey City, have now adopted laws that allow workers to earn paid sick time. The legislation drafted by the Council Members would guarantee paid sick days to workers in businesses of any size.
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Newark’s ordinance would require full- and part-time workers employed at private sector or government workplaces with at least 10 employees earn an hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked for up to five work days a year. The proposed ordinance states that workers at smaller businesses be allowed to accrue up to 3 sick days a year, while those employed at businesses where employees are in direct contact with the public may earn up to five days, regardless of the size of the business.
The new law would not affect businesses that already offer time off.
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Along with the benefit to workers, compelling employers to offer sick time is a public health issue, according to NJ Working Families, an advocacy group.
“Lack of earned sick days has grave public health consequences, particularly because the workers who prepare our food and care for our children and elders are among the least likely to have earned sick days. For example, nearly three-quarters of child care workers and food service workers lack access to earned sick days. These workers are forced to either come to work sick or take unpaid leave – which they may not be able to afford,” the group said in a statement.
About two-thirds of businesses in the city of San Francisco, which in 2006 became the first in the nation to enact such a law, now support the measure, NJ Working Families also stated.
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