Bill mandating sick leave in Philadelphia scheduled for action this week

The bill to mandate sick leave for all Philadelphia workers is scheduled for action this week. It has been amended 18 times already.

Councilman Bill Greenlee says the amendments were designed to make the earned sick time bill more acceptable to businesses in the city, but small business owners continue to complain to Council. Kevin Cuddy owns two small businesses and says the cost is just too much at a time when money is tight.

“This will cost my business $13,000 that’s $13,000 off the bottom line. I’m struggling to stay above water,” said Cuddy.

Westley Gradson said he learned the hard way that showing up when sick could infect others.

“What resulted was I actually passed along this virus to eight of my co-workers, I ended up having to take off three days of work and so did the rest of my staff,” said Gradson.

Council could take up the bill as soon as Thursday. Councilman Greenlee said he wants it approved before they go on summer recess.